Reflecting on tribalism, the Cameroonian Catholic Bishop said, “The word ‘tribalism’ does not exist in the Christian lexicon… Who told you that in Cameroon there are sub-Cameroonians and super-Cameroonians?… We are all sons and daughters of Jesus Christ, and everyone has the right to life.”
He called on the faithful to “behave” as Christians, allowing the Holy Spirit to act in their lives, and to discern “which side we must be on” in the light of the Gospel.
Turning to the upcoming elections, Bishop Lontsié-Keuné did not endorse any candidate but made a strong moral appeal.
“By voting, refuse to sell your conscience, whatever the proposed price. No one must, at any stage of the process, change the value of the vote of a single citizen,” he said.
The Catholic Bishop warned against “electoral irresponsibility,” which “undermines confidence… weakens democracy, leads to instability and violence,” and called for election officials to act with integrity.
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He emphasized that all who call themselves Christian must ensure that their faith informs their political actions.
Bishop Lontsié-Keuné repeated the profile of a leader outlined by Cameroonian students in Bouillac: integrity, humility, a clear vision for national development, the ability to unite, a commitment to reconciliation, and the capacity to inspire confidence and manage the economy responsibly.
“Choosing is renouncing,” he said, adding, “Christ invites us to renounce lies… and to reject whatever compromises the dignity of the poor.”
Bishop Lontsié-Keuné called on civil society to educate the population to critically evaluate campaign promises and to salute the courage of those — journalists, activists, and ordinary citizens — who “dare to say what no one wants to say.”
He insisted that the Church seeks “peace in law, justice, truth, light, and love,” not peace based on force or inequality.
“As long as the right of the force will take over the force of the right, the people will die… and we will scream, scream, scream until we are heard,” Bishop Lontsié-Keuné said.
He warned that manipulating votes is “to steal nationality” and “to subjugate” citizens. He urged the faithful to guard their vote, saying, “Otherwise, it will be useless to register and to vote.”
“May the Spirit be with you in the strength to walk in the light, whatever it costs… Our Lady of Peace, pray for us. God bless you. Amen,” Bishop Lontsié-Keuné implored.
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.
