In a measured yet powerful statement released on Sunday, Archbishop Andrew Fuanya Nkea, President of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC), called on Cameroonians to remain steadfast in truth and peace as the nation awaits the official results of the October 12 presidential election.
Speaking on behalf of the country’s Catholic Bishops, Archbishop Nkea who doubles as the Archbishop of the Bamenda Archdiocese lauded the generally calm and orderly conduct of the polls while drawing attention to several irregularities that, he said, must be addressed if Cameroon is to strengthen its democratic process.
“It is our prayer that, with the help of God and the commitment of all, our country will experience peace and stability in truth,” the Archbishop stated. “And the truth shall set you free.”
Church Observers in the Field
Ahead of the elections, the NECC, through its National Justice and Peace Service, deployed 202 accredited observers across Cameroon’s ten regions.
Though fewer than the 307 initially requested from the Ministry of Territorial Administration, the Church’s observers managed to cover over 12,000 polling stations, about 39% of the total 31,635 nationwide.
Statement from NECC.The bishops commended Elections Cameroon (ELECAM) for efforts to ensure that voting took place “in a serene atmosphere.” The polling stations, according to the statement, were generally well-organized and secured by unarmed law enforcement personnel. Voters had access to transparent ballot boxes, and counting in most stations was conducted publicly.
Democratic Gains and Persistent Irregularities
Despite acknowledging what Archbishop Nkea described as “an example of democratic civility,” the bishops’ report did not shy away from exposing flaws in the electoral process.
Observers noted high abstention rates in several localities, relocated polling stations, outdated voter lists, and instances of ballot handling irregularities that could undermine confidence in the results. The Church also reported cases of polling stations not listed by ELECAM, as well as isolated incidents of violence in Garoua, Dschang, and Douala.
Statement from NECC.In Garoua, a police intervention involving the convoy of presidential candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary reportedly escalated into clashes that left a police officer seriously injured and a gendarmerie truck burned.
“Our progress toward democracy remains hindered by such irregularities,” the bishops warned, urging both citizens and authorities to uphold integrity throughout the post-election process.
A Voice for Truth and National Unity
Archbishop Nkea, who also serves as Archbishop of Bamenda, has become one of the most influential moral voices in Cameroon’s public life. Known for his calm yet firm leadership, he has consistently appealed for dialogue, justice, and unity amid the country’s political and social challenges.
Statement from NECC.Under his presidency, the Episcopal Conference has sought to strengthen civic education among the faithful, training volunteers as election observers and emphasizing the Church’s role as a guardian of ethical and transparent governance.
In his closing appeal, the Archbishop urged all Cameroonians, voters, candidates, and institutions alike to safeguard the truth of the ballot box.
“The people recognized themselves in the votes that were counted and left generally satisfied,” he said. “They hope they will still recognize themselves in the results that will be published by the Constitutional Council, and that nothing will be changed by any authority involved in this exercise.”
Faith, Hope, and Vigilance
As Cameroon awaits the final proclamation of results, Archbishop Nkea’s message blends moral vigilance with hope, a call for peace anchored in the Gospel truth he quoted from Saint John: “Et Veritas liberabit vos and the truth shall set you free.”
For the Church, that truth is not only spiritual but civic: a reminder that democracy, like faith, can only grow stronger when grounded in honesty, transparency, and respect for human dignity.
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