Speaking during the peace meeting at the St. Joseph’s Metropolitan Cathedral, the Fon welcomed the Pope on behalf of traditional rulers from the North West and South West regions, describing the visit as a moment of honour and recognition for the people of Mankon.
He traced the roots of collaboration between traditional institutions and the Catholic Church, noting that early missionaries who arrived in the late 19th century were received and supported by local rulers, who provided land for churches, schools and other institutions. The Cathedral hosting the gathering, he said, stands on land donated by his father, reinforcing what he described as the enduring partnership between tradition and faith.
The monarch praised the Church’s long-standing contribution to education, healthcare and social services, citing its role in running some of the country’s most respected schools, hospitals and charitable institutions. He expressed hope that such efforts would continue to improve the lives of communities across the region.
At the same time, the Fon raised sensitive cultural questions, referencing ongoing discussions within the Catholic Church on the place of traditional practices such as polygamy. He welcomed the Pope’s earlier call during the Synod on Synodality for deeper reflection on the issue, expressing hope that outcomes would allow greater inclusion of those affected within the life of the Church.
Turning to the security situation, the Fon delivered a stark account of the impact of the Anglophone crisis on traditional leadership. He described a breakdown of authority that has left rulers exposed, with some killed, others displaced, and several palaces destroyed.
“We saw this crisis as a breakdown of authority within the society,” he said, underscoring the vulnerability of traditional institutions amid ongoing violence.
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Despite these challenges, he reaffirmed the commitment of traditional rulers to promoting peace and reconciliation, while calling for the restoration of authority across affected communities.
The Fon expressed confidence that the Pope’s presence in Bamenda would contribute to renewed efforts toward peace, urging continued prayers and support for a region still grappling with instability.
The address placed traditional leadership at the centre of both the historical narrative of evangelisation and the current search for peace, positioning the institution as a critical stakeholder in any future resolution of the crisis.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web
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