The traditional ruler of Babadjou in the West Region, His Majesty Kaffo Sambankeing Langevin, has issued a release summoning all pastors of revival churches operating within his Fondom to an important meeting.
The meeting will take place on January 13, 2025, at the palace hall.
In the release, His Majesty Kaffo instructs each pastor to bring the presidential decree authorizing the establishment of their church.
He also asked for documents proving the status of the pastors as preachers of the Gospel.
This announcement follows a directive the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, issued in December.
He ordered local administrative authorities to close unauthorized churches across Cameroon.
The directive was part of a broader government effort to regulate religious practices and curb the proliferation of unregistered churches.
But traditional rulers are not among those to implement the ministerial order.
In Cameroon, traditional rulers have a role as custodians of local customs and traditions. Responsibilities over governance in their communities is outlined in Law No. 77/245 of July 15, 1977 on the Organization of Traditional Rulers in Cameroon.
However, their authority does not explicitly extend to religious oversight, which is regulated by the Ministry of Territorial Administration under Cameroon’s 1990 Law on Freedom of Association and Worship.
In Cameroon, traditional rulers can convene meetings within their communities, but summoning pastors and demanding documentation related to church authorization falls outside their legal jurisdiction.
Such actions would need to align with directives from government officials or administrative authorities.
Observers note that this is a desperate attempt by traditional authorities to show support for the regime prior to elections.
The meeting of January 13, 2025, could clarify the traditional ruler’s intentions.
