Cameroon government Ministers, religious leaders, and civil society stakeholders have united in a weeklong prayer initiative known as the Cameroon National Prayers Breakfast (CNPB).
Now in its 14th edition, the event, held in Yaoundé since November 11, carries the theme “Vessels of Honour for a Better Cameroon.”
The CNPB, culminating today, has drawn participants from diverse backgrounds across the country. They converged to pray for national unity, democracy, peace, security, economic prosperity, the African Diaspora, and the President of Cameroon.
Organized by Rev Dr Jean Libom Likeng, the prayer sessions incorporate both remote participation and gatherings at the Yaounde Hilton Hotel.
The overarching goal, according to Likeng, is to cultivate individuals of honor within Cameroon.
Amidst fervent prayers during the breakfast sessions, participants sought divine intervention to address the challenges facing the country.
The atmosphere exuded a sense of unity and purpose, emphasizing the collective effort to seek divine blessings for Cameroon.
The organizers underscored the pivotal role of prayer in fostering national unity and advancing peace and security.
These are pivotal especially at a moment the country is facing armed conflicts in the North West and South West and in the Far North.
Other notable challenges facing the nation include rising insecurity in major cities, youth unemployment and increasing cost of living.
Among government officials who were listed among participants in the prayers include the Governor of the Centre Region, Naseri Paul Bea; the acting Minister of Mines, Prof Fuh Calistus; the Minister Delegate in charge of the Supreme Stage Audit, Mbah Acha Rose.
Other high ranking participants included the Charge de Mission at the Presidency, Paulo Mingo Ghogomu; the Commissioner of the 4th Central Police Station in Yaounde, Irine Christine Midjom, among others.
The intercessors firmly believe that, through concerted prayer, Cameroon can surmount its challenges and realize its full potential.
However, this initiative has sparked questions among many Cameroonians regarding the true intentions behind the prayers led by government ministers.
The concern stems from the perceived silence or endorsement of a military solution to the crisis in the North West and South West Regions. Since 2016, this ongoing crisis has claimed over 6,000 lives and has disrupted peace in the Anglophone Regions.
Yet, many government Ministers stand accused of contributing to the exacerbation of the crisis.
While religious leaders, including Imams, Catholic priests, and Presbyterian pastors, have received praise for consistently organizing mass prayer sessions to advocate for peace, skepticism arises when political leaders opt for prayer without simultaneously implementing tangible solutions to the country’s crises.
The juxtaposition of political leaders engaging in prayer instead of actively addressing the crises has prompted scrutiny from the public.
The prevailing sentiment questions whether these prayers genuinely seek peace nationwide or are geared towards specific regions.
As Cameroon navigates through complex challenges, the role of both spiritual and political leaders is under intense scrutiny.
The demand for concrete actions to complement prayers echoes loudly among citizens.
Mimi Mefo Info
