“Unacceptable”: Catholic Bishop in Cameroon on Deadly Attack on Civilians

Bishop Bibi extends his “deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and encouragement to those injured.”

He says, “At this painful moment, we must come together as a community and find solace in our faith.”

“It is only through our steadfast faith that we shall find both the hope and courage to face the uncertainties that surround us,” the Local Ordinary of Buea Diocese since his installation in February 2021 says.

He urges the people of God in the Central African nation to extend “support and love to all those who have been injured in this attack.” 

Cameroon’s English-speaking regions plunged into conflict in 2016 after a protest by lawyers and teachers turned violent. An armed movement of separatists claiming independence for the so-called republic of Ambazonia emerged following the government’s crackdown on protesters. 

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School boycotts have become common in these areas, as have enforced moratoriums on public life, resulting in what is known as "ghost towns".

In his January 30 statement, Bishop Bibi calls upon the population to “remain vigilant, but also to exercise prudence and caution during these challenging times.”

“Let us prioritize our safety and that of our fellow Brothers and Sisters and pray for peace to return to our beloved city of Buea,” the Catholic Church leader, who started his Episcopal Ministry as Auxiliary Bishop of Cameroon’s Bamenda Archdiocese in March 2017 says.

Jude Atemanke is a Cameroonian journalist with a passion for Catholic Church communication. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Buea in Cameroon. Currently, Jude serves as a journalist for ACI Africa.