Gregoire Owona Decries Archbishop Kleda’s Critique of Biya Regime

The Minister of Labour and Social Security, Gregoire Owona, has issued a public rebuttal to the recent pastoral letter by the Archbishop of Douala, Samuel Kleda, who critiqued the Biya regime and accused government officials of working for their bellies and not the common good.

Owona’s statement, released on August 12, 2025, highlights a deepening divide between church leaders and government officials in Cameroon amid widespread corruption, embezzlement, rising inequalities and a lack of social amenities.

Archbishop Kleda, known for his frankness, issued a pastoral letter on August 8, 2025, which, among other things, stated that the upcoming presidential election in Cameroon is unnecessary because its outcome has already been predetermined by a few individuals.

He pointed to a lack of genuine democracy, citing government brutality against citizens and political actors.

Drawing from biblical references and social observations, Kleda condemned widespread corruption, bad governance, poverty, unemployment, and illegal immigration, urging Cameroonians to seek peace, justice, and reconciliation.

He questioned the value of elections whose outcomes seem predetermined, noting the high costs, estimated at 65-70 billion CFA francs for the 2025 poll, amid crumbling infrastructure and social inequalities.

“Why this waste?” Kleda asked, stating that the funds could be used to build roads, hospitals, and schools.

Owona, a devout Catholic and self-described parishioner in Japoma, Douala, acknowledged the letter’s eloquence but disputed its attributions to the regime.

“I note with great bitterness that many of the things you attribute to the regime are not fair, even if some are,” he wrote.

He drew a parallel to the Church’s inability to eradicate theft or corruption over 2,000 years, yet persisting in its mission.

Despite his respect for Kleda, referring to him as “my Father-Bishop”, Owona affirmed his choice to vote for Biya, who has been in power for 42 years.

“I choose the path of wisdom, temperance, and conviction: I will therefore vote for Paul Biya! He seems to me to be the only one who can guarantee peace, security, and positive developments for our country, including some of the developments you desire.”

Owona added that Cameroonians, including “devout Catholics, Muslims, and other witnesses of Christ,” would handle the rest through wisdom and hard work.

The exchange comes amid rapid developments leading to the October 12 presidential election.

Opposition figures like Maurice Kamto have been disqualified, prompting protests and arrests, as reported by Human Rights Watch.