13/08/2025
Cameroonian Priest Seeks Clarity on Church’s Role in Pre-Election “Peace Talks”
👇👇👇👇👇👇👇
“I NEED HELP THINKING THROUGH THIS…
Lately, the Secretary General at the Presidency of the Republic of Cameroon has been inviting various groups of opinion leaders to Etoudi. Traditional rulers from the West Region, Imams, Fons from the Northwest, and now - Catholic Bishops. Today I learned that the bishops did, in fact, meet with him, despite reports yesterday suggesting they had declined the invitation. Their presence stirred something deep in me.
When the traditional rulers of the West went to Etoudi, one notable figure was absent. When the Fons of the Northwest visited, a few real heavyweights were missing. And now, with the bishops, many are asking: Where were the Archbishop of Douala, the Bishop of Bafoussam, and the Bishop of Yagoua - those who have consistently spoken truth to power?
I had hoped our bishops would not go. Not out of defiance, but out of discernment. Rightly or wrongly, many believe that those who did not attend the meetings are breaking ranks with their brothers/sisters and sending the regime the message that they are standing with their people. To my mind, these meetings, at this moment in our nation’s history, raise unsettling questions. Are they meant to signal allegiance or acquiescence to a regime that has governed for 43 years? Is there an expectation that these leaders can sway their communities to vote a certain way?
As a Catholic, I’ve been deeply moved by the courage of individual bishops who have stood as true shepherds and moral voices. I felt renewed hope when the Episcopal Conference addressed the failings of our government - hope that the Church was reclaiming her prophetic role. But that hope faltered when I saw the video of the bishops’ Standing Committee walking into the palace at Etoudi. Two bishops who attended have since spoken - one through a written statement, another in a press conference.
And this is where I truly need help. What was the purpose of that meeting? Their message was that they were asked to pray and work for peace before, during, and after the elections. But why this emphasis on peace? Is violence expected? If so, why? And beyond prayer, how are the bishops expected to ensure peace? What tools do they have to prevent unrest?
Is there more we haven’t been told? Did the other groups receive the same message? Does the government truly believe these leaders hold enough moral authority to guide “their people” toward a prescribed path?
I’m wrestling with these questions. If you’ve been thinking about this too, please share your thoughts. Una help me oh. 🙏🏾
Fr. Joseph Awoh”
Samgwa News Tv