Cameroon’s bishops will meet for their 48th annual seminar in Buea on January 4, 2025, making the timing of this gathering significant. This pivotal meeting occurs each year to review the previous year’s challenges and chart a path forward, arriving at a crucial juncture in Cameroon’s political landscape. The bishops’ collective voice significantly influences the discourse surrounding the future of the country as national elections approach in October 2025.
This year’s seminar will focus on synodality, a concept that promotes unity and collaboration among the people of God within the Roman Catholic Church. These gatherings therefore, serve as moments of spiritual reflection and opportunities for bishops to address pressing national issues. They have spoken out on the rising cost of living and the ongoing security challenges, underscoring their profound impact on the nation’s stability and well-being.
Furthermore, this year’s seminar arrives during a politically charged moment. Bishops must speak out, addressing not only economic or security matters but also the issue of national leadership. Cameroon approaches another presidential election, leaving the country’s future uncertain. During this critical time, Archbishop Samuel Kléda, the Archbishop of the Douala Metropolitan Archdiocese, emerges as a prominent voice.
Archbishop Kléda Sets the Pace
During a recent interview with Radio France Internationale (RFI), Archbishop Kléda boldly urged President Paul Biya to step aside and avoid seeking re-election. Kléda calls for a peaceful and orderly transition of power, driven by a deep sense of responsibility. President Biya, now old and facing health challenges, has led for over four decades. Cameroon’s future demands new leadership—a leadership that can deliver a fresh vision and guide the country towards unity and prosperity.
This call stands as a moral imperative for the Church and the nation, not just a personal opinion. Cameroon’s bishops serve as the moral compass of the country, and they must amplify the message that Archbishop Kléda has courageously delivered. The nation stands at a crossroads, and the bishops’ unified stance can drive powerful change. Their moral authority might sway President Biya, a devout Catholic, to think about stepping down for the benefit of Cameroon’s future.
The Church must stand as a voice of reason, hope, and transformation in this moment. Bishops uniquely unite not only the faithful but also the political establishment. As such, a clear and united call for President Biya to step aside will resonate far beyond the walls of the Church, echoing through the political corridors of power. The Cameroonian people will gain a renewed sense of possibility and hope for a new era in their nation’s history.
The nation is watching the bishops of Cameroon. This goes beyond a religious or political issue; it presents an opportunity to demonstrate moral leadership when the country urgently requires it. Your voices will serve as the beacon of hope that guides Cameroon towards a brighter, more unified future. Join Archbishop Kléda and lead the nation towards the peaceful and transformative change it deserves.
