By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
A delegation from the Permanent Council of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC) has delivered the message of suffering Cameroonians to President Paul Biya. This follows an audience granted by the Minister of State and Secretary General of the Presidency of the Republic, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, acting on behalf of the Head of State.
The audience took place on August 13 and included seven bishops led by Mgr. Andrew Nkea, Archbishop of Bamenda and President of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon.
Unlike other consultative visits that have occurred in the past few days and weeks at the Unity Palace, The Post learned that the meeting with the bishops was not political and did not express support for the President in the upcoming presidential elections. Rather, it was a message from agonizing Cameroonians who are praying for peace to prevail.
Speaking shortly after the audience, Mgr. Nkea stated, “We also took the opportunity to deliver a message to President Paul Biya about the suffering our people are going through..”
According to Archbishop Nkea, since independence, the Catholic Church has maintained a good relationship with the state. He stressed that, as a church, they are not political participants, but every citizen who is a Christian has the right to vote. He added, “We came here today to meet and talk with Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh to explore how we can work together to ensure peace before, during, and after the elections.”
During the audience, the bishops prayed for peace, while Mgr. Nkea stressed the importance of working for the common good, reconciliation, and prosperity in Cameroon, stating that this commitment goes beyond the political framework. With Christ being the Prince of Peace, the church works and prays for peace, he said.
He recalled the messages from the bishops: one regarding the elections and another concerning the socio-political situation in Cameroon. Mgr. Andrew reiterated the bishops’ desire for more regular frameworks for consultation with state authorities.
Meanwhile, during the audience, The Post gathered that Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh praised the bishops for their presence. Acknowledging the delicacy of the moment given the upcoming elections, he expressed his wish for the bishops to play an important role in ensuring peace before, during, and after the elections. He added that the administration is committed to holding transparent elections.
While presenting a laudable review of the major projects already accomplished by the Head of State and stressing the importance of peace, he further stated that he wanted political parties to present their programs and reject any form of hate speech, prioritizing peace.
The visit of the bishops to the Unity Palace followed that of the Imams and other personalities who have unanimously declared their full support for President Biya in the upcoming elections. Some bishops have individually called on President Paul Biya not to stand for re-election.
