Catholic Archbishop in Cameroon Urges Citizens to Register "massively" ahead of 2025 Presidential Poll

In his April 2 address, Archbishop Nkea also reflected on the protracted conflict in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon.

He said, “The North-West and South-West are still suffering from a war that continues to tear people apart.”

Credit: NECC

“We hope that a frank and sincere dialogue will continue in order to put an end to this war,” the Cameroonian Catholic Archbishop said.

He went on to reflect on the economic hardship in the central African nation, saying, “Our populations are still suffering from a number of social ills and insecurity. Rising prices for basic necessities are leading to a high cost of living for our people.”

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“We are called upon to strengthen our commitment to resolving the problems that cause immense suffering, such as conflicts and forced population displacements, and to ensure that the abundant resources of Africa in general, and of our country in particular, contribute to economic and social development and benefit everyone,” the Local Ordinary of Bamenda said.

Credit: NECC

Archbishop Nkea also condemned the desecration of the Mary Queen of Peace Shrine Nsimalen in Cameroon’s Yaoundé Archdiocese.

“Today, we note to our great dismay the rise of secularism and the desecration of places of worship. We are deeply saddened that they have passed through the Marian shrine of Nsimalen in the Archdiocese of Yaoundé,” he said.

Archbishop Nkea added, “The destruction of the statutes in this parish shrine is an odious and unacceptable act that we condemn. We call the perpetrators to conversion.”

The NECC President further reflected on youth migration from Cameroon, and blamed the country’s economic challenges on the massive departure of the youths in search of opportunities for growth elsewhere.

“The horrific images we see almost everyday of the perilous journeys undertaken by many young Africans, including some of our compatriots are the result of a loss of confidence and hope for a better future in their own homeland,” Archbishop Nkea said.

Credit: NECC

“We therefore call on those responsible for governing us to give hope to young people who are looking for the right atmosphere, and environment in which to flourish. We must give these young people the right to express their abilities for the full development of their homeland,” the Archbishop of Bamenda said. 

He added, “Those with political, civil and administrative power, must therefore see their responsibilities in terms of a moral mission to create the right atmosphere that will attract young and talented Cameroonians to stay and put their talents at the service of the country.”

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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.