Cameroon’s Catholic Bishops Renew Urgent Call for Peace, Dialogue, and Youth Investment

Newsroom (03/06/2026 Gaudium Press ) The President of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC), Archbishop Andrew Fuanya Nkea, has issued a renewed call for peace and dialogue, urging both Church leadership and political authorities to confront the underlying causes of conflict in the country. His appeal comes as Cameroon continues to grapple with security, political, and socio-economic challenges affecting several regions.

Speaking on Tuesday, June 2, during the opening of the 51st Plenary Assembly of NECC members, Archbishop Nkea emphasized that peace must remain a national priority, particularly in the troubled North-West, South-West, and Far North regions.

“Peace is a fundamental human right, indispensable for the development of peoples, social cohesion, economic progress, and respect for human dignity,” he stated, framing peace not only as a moral imperative but as a cornerstone for national development.

Papal Visit Seen as a Moment of Hope

The Archbishop reflected on the Apostolic Journey of Pope Leo XIV to Cameroon from April 15 to 18, describing the visit as a historic milestone that reinvigorated hope among the faithful and the wider population.

“At a time when our Church and our country needed it most, he accepted, against all odds, even risking his own life, to come and comfort us and renew in us the hope that does not disappoint,” Archbishop Nkea said.

He highlighted the Pope’s direct appeal for reconciliation and an end to violence, noting that the pontiff acknowledged the deep suffering caused by ongoing conflicts—ranging from loss of life and displacement to disrupted education and growing uncertainty among the youth.

Echoing the Pope’s message, Archbishop Nkea declared: “Enough of war, with all the pain it causes through death, destruction, and exile.”

Beyond Rhetoric: A Call for Genuine Commitment

Central to Archbishop Nkea’s message was the insistence that peace cannot be achieved through political declarations alone. Instead, he stressed the need for sincere commitment to dialogue, justice, and national reconciliation.

“We will never achieve lasting peace without a firm decision to choose the path that leads to it, with all its demands of conversion, love for country, change of mentality, and dialogue,” he said.

His remarks come as Cameroon prepares for future municipal elections, periods often marked by heightened tensions. He urged vigilance and prayer, recalling that post-election calm in previous cycles was the result of deliberate efforts rather than weakness.

“The appeasement that we contributed to create after the presidential election was not a sign of weakness, but a necessity for our society,” he noted.

Youth at the Center of a Peaceful Future

A significant portion of the Archbishop’s address focused on the role of young people in shaping Cameroon’s future. Drawing from Pope Leo XIV’s remarks during his visit, he described youth as the nation’s greatest asset.

“Young people represent the hope of the country and of the Church. Their energy and creativity are priceless treasures,” he said.

However, he warned that persistent challenges such as unemployment, social exclusion, and lack of opportunity have left many youths vulnerable to violence, migration, drug abuse, prostitution, and despair.

“Investing in education, training, and entrepreneurship for young people is therefore a strategic choice for peace,” Archbishop Nkea stressed, positioning youth empowerment as a key pillar of long-term stability.

Addressing Emerging Ethical Challenges

Archbishop Nkea also called on the Church in Cameroon to engage deeply with the ethical questions raised by modern technologies. Referencing Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas, he pointed to concerns surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) and digital tools.

“In times marked by the challenges posed by a certain use of digital technology and artificial intelligence, we must discern how to receive the Holy Father’s encyclical in our context,” he said, urging thoughtful adaptation of global teachings to local realities.

Marking Six Decades of Ecclesial Service

The plenary assembly also served as a moment of reflection and celebration, marking the 60th anniversary of the NECC. Archbishop Nkea described the milestone as evidence of sustained evangelization, institutional maturity, and faithful service to the people.

The gathering, running from May 31 to June 5, has brought together Catholic bishops from across the country to review pastoral priorities, assess national concerns, and strengthen their collective mission.

Throughout the assembly, bishops continue to pray for peace both within Cameroon and globally, while exploring ways to respond effectively to the country’s evolving challenges.

“We freely chose to come together and persevere in our journey toward eternity. May the Holy Spirit remain the principal protagonist of our communion and collegiality, so that our work may be for the glory of God and the salvation of all,” Archbishop Nkea concluded.

This plenary assembly underscores the Catholic Church’s enduring role as a moral voice in Cameroon, advocating for peace, justice, and inclusive development in a nation striving to overcome deep-seated divisions.

• Raju Hasmukh with files from ACI Africa