Cameroon’s social unrest: A Declaration of the Permanent Council of the Bishops of Cameroon

We, Cardinal, Archbishops and Bishops, members of the Permanent Council of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon, deeply concerned over the prevailing situation in our country, address the following message to you: Christians, political leaders, and all men and women of goodwill, who truly love this country and who are advocates of peace and dialogue

In a spirit of mutual understanding, we have reviewed the recent happenings in our country against a backdrop of the economic and socio-political life of our country.

The unfortunate events that have happened, and continue to happen, in some towns, have obliged us to make a fervent appeal for peace and dialogue to all Cameroonians- whose preoccupations we understand, to leaders of political parties and the media. Violence has never been a solution to any problem. The fight for the defence of fundamental human rights is legitimate on condition that it be devoid of all traces of violence and destruction.

The unfortunate incidents of the past days have caused widespread damage: the loss of human lives and the destruction of property. We express our deep condolences to families that have lost their loved ones.

We strongly condemn all forms of violence, irrespective of where it comes from. We therefore appeal for calm and dialogue between all the active forces of this nation. This dialogue is urgent!

Cameroonians should not be carried away by violence, but by reason. May Christians and men and women of goodwill in the different political, economic and social sectors, become advocates of peace, social harmony and understanding at the service of all.

Cameroon has had more than its fair share of violence in the past. We therefore appeal that sane judgement, understanding, justice and the respect of civic peace definitely reigns in our country.

We are therefore urgently appealing for an end to all confrontations and for the organisation of constructive dialogue.

We believe that such a consultation is possible. It is the restoration of true democracy and civic responsibility, the cultivation of a culture of peace based on tolerance and pluralism. It is the building of a strong national culture, but above the present economic and political stakes, it is the opening up of one’s heart to the love of God and of one’s neighbour- as only love can transform man and make him stand firm to defend good and noble causes.

The Permanent Council of the Bishops of Cameroon