The Cameroon Baptist Convention (CBC) has received approval to organise its elections in the Nkambe field office. The Divisional Officer (D.O.) of Nkambe Subdivision, Boukar, reversed his earlier decision banning the event, giving the church the green light to proceed.
In a directive signed on November 22, the D.O. instructed security forces in the division to withdraw from enforcing the prior ban. This move has reignited discussions on whether the elections will finally take place despite ongoing legal disputes.
Legal Battles and Leadership Concerns
The CBC’s planned November elections faced suspension after three excommunicated church members secured a court ruling in Bamenda. These individuals, who previously held leadership positions, argued that the elections could result in their replacement. Their actions extended to a second lawsuit filed in the Mfoundi Court in Yaoundé.
The Mezam High Court in Bamenda ruled against the CBC, further complicating the situation. According to a report by The Guardian Post, the church’s legal challenges have delayed its plans, leaving members uncertain about the elections’ fate.
Leadership Resignation Sparks Questions
Rev. Nditemeh Charlemagne, the CBC Executive President, resigned following the court ruling, leaving many speculating about his reasons. While the specifics of his resignation remain unclear, sources note that his mandate had expired, making the elections necessary to elect new leadership.
Before his resignation, Rev. Nditemeh had consistently urged CBC members through official letters to attend court hearings in large numbers. However, he refrained from public comments about the elections, emphasizing that he would speak only after the process was complete.
The D.O.’s decision to lift the ban raises hopes that the CBC elections might proceed in Nkambe, but questions linger about the church’s ability to navigate the ongoing legal and organizational challenges.
