As political tensions continue to ripple through Cameroon in the wake of the October 12 presidential election, the Council of Protestant Churches of Cameroon (CPCC) has urged citizens to embrace calm, trust, and peace, describing them as “the path of divine wisdom” for the nation’s healing and stability.
The appeal came at the close of the 29th edition of Reformation Week, celebrated from October 19 to 26 under the theme “Quietness, Trust and Peace: The Path of Divine Wisdom for Cameroon,” drawn from Isaiah 30:15, “In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength.”
In its closing statement, signed by CPCC President Rev. Hamadina Salomon, the council expressed gratitude to God for the “relative peace” that still prevails across the country despite growing political tensions surrounding the disputed vote.
“This crucial electoral year has tested both our national cohesion and the faith of the Cameroonian people,” the statement reads. “In this context of uncertainty and contestation, CPCC reaffirms its commitment to remain a voice of wisdom, hope, and peace.”
Truth, Justice, and Peace as Pillars of National Strength
Under the title “Truth, Justice and Peace: Divine Wisdom for a Reconciled Cameroon,” the CPCC drew a parallel between Cameroon’s current situation and the biblical account of Judah’s political turmoil in the book of Isaiah. The council emphasized that lasting peace can only be built upon truth, justice, and mutual trust.
“Without truth, trust collapses. Without justice, peace becomes an illusion,” the statement asserts.
According to the CPCC, a society anchored in truth “can look to the future with confidence,” while fair and just institutions create an environment in which citizens accept outcomes, even unfavourable ones, because they believe in the integrity of the system.
The statement further underscored that “mutual trust, founded upon truth and justice, dispels fear and gives rise to the quietness that is the source of national strength.”
Appeals for Transparency and Responsibility
Reflecting on post-electoral tensions and allegations of fraud, the CPCC issued a series of appeals aimed at promoting calm and safeguarding Cameroon’s fragile social fabric.
The council called on:
Political authorities to ensure transparency in the electoral process and take concrete steps toward reconciliation;
Electoral institutions to act with integrity and independence to preserve the credibility of democracy;
The Constitutional Council to proclaim results “in strict respect of the people’s choice,” demonstrating impartiality and neutrality;
Citizens and believers to remain calm, reject violence and hate speech, and show civic responsibility;
Churches and faith communities are to continue praying for peace, engaging in civic education, and supporting local communities.
“For it is only together, and beyond cultural, religious, or political affiliations, that we can build a stable, fraternal and prosperous Cameroon,” the CPCC declared.
Faith as a Source of National Renewal
While acknowledging the “post-electoral agitation” seen in parts of the country, the council urged Cameroonians to resist the temptation of disorder and to instead place their confidence in divine justice.
“True strength lies in serenity amid uncertainty,” the statement affirms, “and in trust that justice will ultimately prevail, not only through our institutions, but above all through God’s divine plan for our nation.”
Reiterating its belief that the reconstruction of Cameroon depends on truth, justice, and forgiveness, the CPCC concluded with a prayerful note: “May the Lord Jesus Christ, the Prince of Peace, grant our nation the grace of a reconciled, just and prosperous future. God bless Cameroon.”
Comments
Post a Comment