Opinion: Secularism Should Not Silence Political Voices in Cameroon

The question of President Paul Biya’s potential candidacy in the upcoming 2025 elections in Cameroon is one that cannot be ignored by anyone. The mere thought of a 92-year-old standing for election to add to an already contentiously long mandate is not the only issue at stake. If Biya stands, Cameroon makes history, but if he does not present himself for re-election, that is itself historical. It is therefore not surprising that religious leaders have recently joined critical voices to openly voice concerns about the prospect of a 92-year-old leader seeking to lead a nation plagued by multiple challenges.

Many government ministers reacted predictably, repeatedly invoking the secular nature of the state to dismiss these critiques. This line of argument misrepresents the principle of secularism and deserves scrutiny. Moreover, it weakens the spirit of open dialogue that is essential to a democratic society.

The True Meaning of Secularism

The principle of secularism, is something enshrined in the constitution of Cameroon. It is there to ensure that the state remains neutral in matters of religion. This neutrality means that the state should neither endorse nor oppose any faith. Secularism is as such, a cornerstone of fairness and inclusivity, guaranteeing that no single religious group dominates public policy or governance. However, it is very important to state here that secularism does not, and should not, restrict religious leaders from participating in public discourse, especially on matters of national importance, such as the capacity of the president.

John Locke, in his Letter Concerning Toleration (1689), many centuries ago, laid the groundwork for this principle when he stated that governments should not interfere with religious matters but must also allow individuals the freedom to express their moral and ethical perspectives in public. This perspective reinforces the idea that religious leaders in Cameroon are within their rights to critique political decisions without violating the secular nature of the state.

Advocates for Justice

Religious leaders in any society, including Cameroon, are not just spiritual guides. They are also called upon to be advocates for social justice and moral accountability. In the case of Cameroon, where many citizens rely on religious leaders and institutions for ethical guidance, the voices of those at the helm carry significant weight.

When Catholic bishops, pastors, or Imams raise concerns about governance, leadership, or the welfare of the nation, they do not do so with the aim of imposing religious doctrines but rather to fulfill their role as stewards and gatekeepers of the common good.

Jürgen Habermas in The Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere emphasises that diverse voices, including religious perspectives, enrich public discourse and enhance debates about governance and societal well-being. By trying to silence these voices under the guise of secularism, the Biya regime effectively diminishes the quality of democratic deliberation.

Secularism as Suppression

The Biya regime’s framing of the interventions of religious leaders as violations of secularism is a gross misinterpretation. Secularism exists to prevent the state from imposing religious views, not to silence those who hold them. By conflating the two, the government ministers are effectively using secularism as a tool of suppression rather than a principle of neutrality. This approach is similar to many they have used in the past to undermine the democratic fabric of Cameroon, where freedom of speech and expression ought to be constitutionally protected.

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) guarantees freedom of thought, conscience, and religion (Article 18) and freedom of expression (Article 19). Similarly, the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (1981) protects these rights. These legal principles emphasise the need for inclusive public discourse. Invoking secularism to silence religious leaders contradicts these fundamental international legal protections.

Moral and Ethical Concerns About Leadership

But the question many might be asking is whether President Biya’s age and long tenure, are a matter of national security as Minister of Interior Atanga Nji Paul would want us to believe. No, absolutely not. These topics deserve open discussion. These involve more than just political concerns like choosing a party to vote for. These questions hold moral and ethical significance regarding leadership, accountability, and the nation’s uncertain future. Religious leaders, like all citizens, stake their claim in these issues and have the right to voice their perspectives. Their input enriches public debates, as we saw following the outings of Bishops and their final communique from their meeting in Buea. They offer moral clarity on these issues and demonstrate their willingness to stand up for the welfare of the people over political expediency.

Every Catholic Priest or Bishop surely knows Immanuel Kant’s view (What Is Enlightenment?, 1784) that the free use of reason in the public sphere drives societal progress. Their engagement in these discussions aligns with this philosophical foundation and contributes to the collective reasoning required for good governance.

The Role of Religion in Cameroon

This is a topic I explored more than 10 years ago in my Masters Thesis. I argued that religious leaders needed to be more active in political spaces. The core argument is that silencing religious leaders under the pretext of secularism ignores the broader cultural and social realities of the country. Religion plays a significant role in the lives of many Cameroonians, influencing values, decisions, and community dynamics. To exclude religious voices from political discourse is to overlook a vital part of the national conversation.

Globally, secular states vary in their approach to religion, but a common thread is the protection of individual rights to free speech and religious expression. In democracies like the United States, the separation of church and state ensures that religious organisations cannot directly influence policy but does not prevent religious leaders from commenting on political issues. Donald Trump understood this very well when he relied greatly on the Evangelicals to ride through to victory in the last elections. Similarly, while the King of the United Kingdom is the head of the Anglican Church, he does not engage in politics directly but the Bishops share political opinions. In fact, such commentary often enriches public debate and promotes accountability. Cameroon’s secularism should similarly encourage, not stifle, diverse perspectives.

A Missed Opportunity for Dialogue

The invocation of secularism to deflect criticism is not just a misuse of the principle but also a missed opportunity for the government to engage in meaningful dialogue. Rather than silencing dissenting voices, the government should have welcome them as a sign of a healthy democracy. Openly discussing these issues can help shape how the government addresses the discontent of its citizens. Religious leaders, in turn, should continue to advocate for justice, equity, and good governance, confident that their contributions are both necessary and legitimate.

As Desmond Tutu’s activism in South Africa and Martin Lurther King Jr.’s civil rights movement in the USA demonstrated, religious leaders can challenge political systems while respecting the secular nature of the state.

Mimi Mefo Info