Pope Leo XIV arrives in Cameroon on Wednesday as part of his four-nation Africa tour, with millions anticipating his visit amid a separatist conflict that has killed thousands. The papal visit with its call for peace is expected to highlight the separatist conflict in Cameroon's two Anglophone regions, coming as the country reels from a disputed presidential election that left dozens dead. Paul Biya, the world's oldest president at 93, extended his long rule in the disputed election.
Cameroon's western regions have been plagued by fighting since English-speaking separatists launched a rebellion in 2017 with the stated goal of breaking away from the French-speaking majority and establishing an independent state. Thousands of people have been killed in the separatist conflict, which humanitarian groups call one of the world's most neglected conflicts. Priests have been targeted in the conflict, adding to the human toll.
Personal stories illustrate the violence's impact. Caro Bih says she was once kidnapped, chained and held for ransom by separatist fighters in Cameroon. Several of her relatives have been killed, jailed or abducted, and her family home was razed. Rev. John Berinyuy Tatah, a Catholic priest, was kidnapped by separatists in November alongside five fellow clergy and held two weeks in the bush, cut off from the world.
We have been praying ceaselessly for the conflict to end, to no avail. We want the pope to intercede for us. I strongly believe his coming will help heal my wounds.
The pope will lead a peace meeting in the conflict zone, specifically presiding over a peace meeting on Thursday in Bamenda with community leaders and celebrating Mass at the local airport. The separatists said Tuesday they will pause fighting for three days to allow safe travel for the pope, civilians and dignitaries.
Officials have framed Pope Leo XIV's visit as a moment of national unity for Cameroon, but critics of the government worry the pope's visit will be seen as an endorsement of the Biya administration, which has been accused of committing abuses in the conflict and not being open to dialogue. Caro Bih's hopes for peace rest with Pope Leo XIV.
Cameroon is ruled by Francophone authorities and divided along ethnic lines.