Pope Visits Cameroon's Bamenda Amid Ongoing Separatist Conflict
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Bamenda, Cameroon’s Anglophone conflict zone, to promote peace amid a decade-long separatist crisis. The pope presided over an interfaith peace meeting and celebrated Mass, while separatist fighters declared a temporary ceasefire during his visit.
catholicnewsagency.comLeo XIV arrived in the western Cameroonian city of Bamenda, a key area affected by the country’s Anglophone separatist conflict.
His visit aimed to promote peace and bring international attention to the crisis, which has persisted for nearly a decade with significant humanitarian consequences. The pope’s charter flight landed at Bamenda airport, where local residents expressed joy and hope, celebrating his presence with music and dancing.
The visit marks the second leg of the pope’s four-nation African trip and is notable as the first by an American pope.
During his stay, the pope presided over a peace meeting involving representatives from various faiths, including a traditional chief, a Presbyterian moderator, an imam, and a Catholic nun.
The gathering aimed to underscore the interfaith efforts working to end the conflict and support those affected by violence. Separatist fighters announced a three-day pause in fighting to allow the pope safe passage. A spokesperson for the Unity Alliance stated that the pause reflects a deliberate commitment to responsibility, restraint and respect for human dignity, even in the context of ongoing conflict, and that the pope’s visit should remain spiritual and not be seen as endorsing any political authority.
The conflict stems from historical divisions dating back to colonial times when Cameroon was split between French and British rule.
In 2017, separatists launched a rebellion seeking independence for the Anglophone regions. The violence has resulted in over 6,000 deaths and displaced more than 600,000 people, according to the International Crisis Group.
Despite a reduction in deadly attacks in recent years, peace talks have stalled amid mutual accusations of bad faith. The region is resource-rich, with reserves of oil, natural gas, cobalt, bauxite, iron ore, gold, and diamonds. While French and English companies have long dominated the extraction industry in Cameroon, Chinese companies have established a significant presence in recent years, particularly in the gold mining regions of the east.
