With Cameroon approaching a pivotal moment in its democratic journey, a high-level meeting between representatives of the Catholic Church and the Presidency signalled renewed efforts to foster national unity and political stability.
On August 13, 2025, a delegation of bishops from the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC), led by Archbishop Andrew Fuanya Nkea, was received at the Unity Palace by Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, Minister of State and Secretary General at the Presidency of the Republic.
The meeting was held at the invitation of Ngoh Ngoh, acting on instructions from President Paul Biya. The government’s objective was clear: to seek the Church’s support in promoting a climate of peace as the country prepares for its upcoming presidential election. Recognizing the Catholic Church’s longstanding role in peacebuilding and its influence across Cameroonian society, the Secretary General expressed gratitude to the bishops for accepting the invitation. He stressed the importance of ensuring a peaceful atmosphere before, during, and after the electoral process, and reiterated the government’s commitment to organizing fair and transparent elections.
Archbishop Nkea, President of NECC and Metropolitan Archbishop of Bamenda, responded by affirming the Church’s readiness to support national efforts toward peace, not as a political actor, but as a moral and spiritual guide.
He reminded the government that the Church stands with the people of Cameroon, bringing with it their concerns, their hopes, and their call for justice. He also underscored the non-partisan nature of the Catholic Church’s mission, focused on evangelization, reconciliation, and the promotion of peace and justice.
During the meeting, Archbishop Nkea formally presented two key documents to the Secretary General: the NECC’s “Message on the Socio-economic Situation in Cameroon” issued on January 11, 2025, and its “Pastoral Letter on the Presidential and Regional Elections” published on March 28, 2025. These documents reflect the Church’s positions on the pressing issues facing the country and call for greater responsibility from political leaders and citizens alike.
The Archbishop also advocated for more structured dialogue between the Church and public institutions, suggesting that stronger cooperation could significantly enhance the pursuit of the common good in Cameroon. He emphasized that the Church’s role is not limited to preaching within church walls but extends to engaging with national issues in ways that uplift and unify the population.
The meeting concluded with Archbishop Nkea addressing the media, where he once again called for calm, mutual respect, and active participation in the democratic process. He reaffirmed that the Church, while not a political player, remains deeply committed to walking with all Cameroonians through the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
In a country where religious institutions remain among the most trusted pillars of society, the encounter between the bishops and the Presidency is likely to be seen as a meaningful gesture, one that may help reassure citizens during a politically sensitive period.
As election preparations continue, both state and church appear to recognize the urgent need for collaboration in safeguarding national unity and democratic integrity.
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