Post-election Crisis: Bishop Bibi Says True Peace is Only Possible Through Justice

By Tata Mbunwe

The Bishop of Buea, His Lordship Michael Bibi, has stated in his Advent message that peace is only possible in Cameroon if there is justice—every person accorded what they are due—as the nation continues to wobble under post-electoral tensions.

Advent, observed in the four weeks before Christmas, is a period in the Christian liturgical calendar dedicated to spiritual preparation, reflection, and hopeful anticipation of Christ’s coming.

It is traditionally a time when the Church calls for renewed moral consciousness, repentance, and social responsibility.

In this spirit, Bishop Bibi’s message draws attention to the urgency of social justice, especially in the equitable sharing of resources and in genuine concern for the poor, at a time when many Cameroonians are decrying state-sponsored injustice, human rights abuses, and rising social inequalities.

“As we prepare for Christmas, and within the context of the post-electoral challenges in our nation, we must seek justice and reconciliation, the only means through which we can have true peace,” the prelate wrote.

The message, addressed to all clergy, religious men and women, members of religious institutes and societies of apostolic life, and the faithful of the Diocese of Buea, comes just weeks after protests swept through major cities as citizens poured out to the streets to denounce vote rigging by President Paul Biya’s government.

Biya, in power for 43 years, was declared winner of the October 12 election, although many believe the victory was stolen from his main opponent, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, who had long proclaimed himself president-elect.

“Justice is therefore made impossible when each person’s due is not given him,” Bishop Bibi emphasized.

“This happens when we allow corruption to erode the moral fabric of society and it begins in small acts: a bribe to speed a service, favoritism in hiring, silence before fraud. These habits harden consciences and give practice to greater injustices whether in private or public life,” he added.

Drawing inspiration from Micah 6:8, Bishop Bibi reminded leaders of God’s demands: “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God.”

He also referenced Psalms 72:7 to underscore that peace is unattainable without justice: “In his days justice shall flourish and peace till the moon fails.”

The Catholic prelate told Christians in his Diocese last Saturday that the Catholic Church was not responsible for removing Biya from power, if he doesn’t want to leave.

This was apparently in response to popular sentiments that the Church was abetting what some observers have described as the Biya regime’s power capture in Cameroon.

Bibi was among some Bishops who visited the Unity Palace prior to the election, where they reiterated their non-partisan commitment to peace and justice.