Officials have framed Pope Leo XIV's visit as a moment of national unity for Cameroon, a country ruled by Francophone authorities and divided along ethnic lines. The papal visit is expected to highlight the separatist conflict in Cameroon's two Anglophone regions, where thousands of people have been killed in what humanitarian groups call one of the world's most neglected conflicts. Cameroon's western regions have been plagued by fighting since English-speaking separatists launched a rebellion in 2017 with the goal of breaking away from the French-speaking majority and establishing an independent state.
Separatists said Tuesday they will pause fighting for three days to allow safe travel for the pope, civilians and dignitaries. How this ceasefire will be enforced and monitored remains unclear, adding uncertainty to security arrangements during the papal visit.
Personal stories illustrate the conflict's brutality. Caro Bih says she was once kidnapped, chained and held for ransom by separatist fighters in Cameroon. Several of Caro Bih's relatives have been killed, jailed or abducted, and her family home was razed.
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.
Clergy have also been targeted in the conflict. Priests have been targeted in the conflict, with Rev. John Berinyuy Tatah, a Catholic priest, kidnapped by separatists in November alongside five fellow clergy and held two weeks in the bush.
The visit occurs as Cameroon is still reeling from a disputed presidential election that left dozens dead as President Paul Biya extended his long rule. 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.
Pope Leo XIV will preside over a peace meeting on Thursday in Bamenda with community leaders and celebrate Mass at the local airport. What specific outcomes or agreements are expected from this peace meeting remains uncertain, as does what concrete steps, if any, the pope will take to address allegations of government abuses in the conflict. How the papal visit will impact the long-term prospects for dialogue between the government and separatists is another open question as the pontiff begins his engagement.