Cameroon’s Catholic Church Calls for Calm Amid Election Tension
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Tension grows in Cameroon as Catholic Church urges calm amid disputed election results.
Growing Tensions After Opposition Declares Victory
Cameroon is on edge after opposition candidate and former government spokesman Issa Tchiroma Bakary declared himself the winner of the October 12 presidential election. His announcement comes as the nation awaits official results, raising fears of unrest and violence.
The 76-year-old Bakary claimed to have defeated 92-year-old President Paul Biya, who is seeking to extend his 43-year rule by another seven years. The opposition leader’s declaration has been sharply criticized by the government and Biya’s ruling party, who described the move as “illegal” and “premature.”
Awaiting the Constitutional Council’s Verdict
The final results of the election have not yet been released. The Constitutional Council has until October 27 to declare the official winner. Bakary’s defiance and pledge to “defend his victory” have intensified fears that violence could erupt in the country once the results are made public.
This comes at a delicate time for the nation, where frustration over decades of governance and concerns about electoral integrity remain high.
Catholic Bishops Urge Peace and Stability
In response to the rising tension, the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC) released a statement calling for peace and urging authorities to ensure transparency in the electoral process.
“The official result should reflect the will of the electorate, and nothing should be changed by any authority involved in this exercise,” the bishops stated.
The Catholic Church, which holds a strong moral influence in Cameroon, has often served as a voice of moderation in times of political crisis.
Criticism of Biya’s Long Rule
Some clerics have been openly critical of President Biya’s extended stay in power. Earlier this year, Monsignor Yaouda Hourgo, Bishop of the Diocese of Yagoua, made a bold statement during a homily, saying it would be “preferable for the devil to take power” rather than see Biya re-elected.
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“We’re not going to suffer any more than this. We’ve already suffered enough,” he declared, reflecting the frustration felt by many Cameroonians over the country’s political stagnation.
Protests and Legal Challenges Loom
Following protests over alleged electoral fraud, the Constitutional Council announced that it would begin hearing complaints on Wednesday. Its verdict will be crucial in determining who becomes the next president.
The opposition has vowed to challenge any attempt to “manipulate the will of the people,” while the government insists the electoral process remains legitimate.
In a closing message to judges overseeing the case, the bishops reiterated: “The truth shall set you free.”
Looking Ahead
As Cameroonians await the official election results, all eyes are on the Constitutional Council and the government’s handling of the situation. The Church’s call for peace reflects widespread fears of instability if the results are contested.
The coming days will determine whether the country experiences a peaceful transition or descends into political turmoil.
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