Catholic Christians rubbish posthumous decoration of Cardinal Tumi

Christians of the Catholic Church in Cameroon are divided over government’s posthumous decoration of the remains of Christian Cardinal Tumi.

Tuesday, April 20th at the burial of Cameroon’s lone Cardinal at St. Peter and Paul’s Cathedral in Douala, Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute, personal representative of President Paul Biya at the burial, placed a medal of the commander of valour on the coffin of Cardinal Tumi. This as a mark of Cameroon’s recognition of spiritual and social impact of Cardinal Tumi during his 90 years on earth.

“When Cardinal Tumi was alive, President Paul Biya and his government did not recognize any effort he made for the church and Cameroonians. Why should the regime come now to act a drama of shame?” an irate Catholic Christian identifying himself as Paul whispered to Mimi Mefo Info.

To the Christian, government has over the years tagged Cardinal Tumi as an enemy of the regime because of his objectivity in handling issues.

Despite ugly reactions to Cameroon’s decoration by some Christians, others actually applauded the gesture saying it’s a veritable mark of honour and recognition to a dedicated servant of God.

Earlier, in a condolence letter from president Paul Biya read at the funeral, Cardinal Tumi was described as a man of peace and love throughout his pastoral work on earth.

A similar message came from Pope Francis. The head of the Roman Catholic Church expressed his sincere condolences to the people of Cameroon and Catholic Christians the world over.


Mbatho Ntan.