The Bishop of Bafoussam, His Lordship Paul Lontsie-Keune, has issued a strongly worded pastoral message warning that growing public frustration and mistrust risk undermining peace and stability ahead of Cameroon’s 12 October presidential election.
His Lordship Paul Lontsie-Keune, Bishop of Bafoussam
In a statement titled “The People Murmur… We Ask Ourselves”, the prelate said the voice of the Cameroonian people “has risen to God” amid political tensions, restrictions on freedoms, and controversy surrounding the validation of presidential candidates.
Referring to the exclusion of some contenders and the validation of others under disputed circumstances, the bishop questioned whether recent political manoeuvres including the postponement of municipal and legislative elections were motivated by “political and strategic calculations”.
“The people murmur… we ask ourselves,” he repeated throughout the message, underscoring a series of concerns ranging from allegations of manipulation of the electoral process to the militarisation of public spaces during sensitive political moments.
His Lordship Paul Lontsie-Keune with Pope Leo in the Vatican
His Lordship Lontsie-Keune expressed disquiet over the rejection of electoral petitions, the narrowing of political space, and the use of intimidation against political actors and civil society. He warned against what he described as the “instrumentalisation of law” and a “two-speed justice system” that could deepen divisions in the country.
He condemned the rise of tribalism and hate speech in media and online discourse, warning that such divisions risk entrenching the principle of “divide and rule”. He further stressed that “true peace” cannot be built on lies, intimidation, injustice, or electoral fraud.
The bishop highlighted the importance of political alternation in a functioning democracy, noting that it “prevents the confiscation of power by a single group, strengthens the legitimacy of institutions, and gives citizens the feeling of being truly sovereign”.
He appealed to members of the Constitutional Council, now preparing to rule on pre-election disputes, to “say only the law and render only justice” free from political influence, so that the public may be convinced that justice has truly been done.
In his conclusion, His Lordship Lontsie-Keune invoked biblical passages to call for justice, truth, and love as the only foundations for lasting peace in Cameroon.
“As long as the law of the strongest prevails over the strength of the law, the people will continue to murmur and we will continue to ask ourselves,” he warned.
He closed his message with an appeal to conscience and courage:
“Give us, Lord, the strength to cry out for those whose voices have been stifled… so that your reign may come upon our land, and that peace may prevail.”
The bishop’s statement comes as Cameroon enters a tense pre-electoral period marked by disputes over candidate eligibility, concerns over the fairness of the electoral process, and fears of potential unrest.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Newsroom
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