“Help us to have peace again” — Muslim community welcomes Pope with plea for healing

🇨🇲 2026 Papal Visit to Cameroon | Special Coverage by Hilltopvoices

A representative of the Muslim community in the North West and South West regions of Cameroon has delivered a solemn appeal for peace during the visit of Pope Leo XIV to Bamenda, highlighting the toll of violence on Muslim populations while reaffirming interfaith solidarity.

A representative of the Muslim community in Cameroon’s North West and South West regions

Speaking on behalf of the community at a gathering in St. Joseph’s Metropolitan Cathedral, the Chief Imam Imam Mohamad Abubakar of the Buea Central Mosque welcomed the Pontiff in religious terms, saying: 

“I greet you in the name of Allah, who is most compassionate, the most merciful.”

He described the Pope as “a representative of God… the bringer of peace, the lover of mankind,” and said the Muslim community was encouraged by his presence at a time of deep distress.

The Imam recounted specific attacks that have affected Muslim communities in the region, including a November 14, 2025 assault on a mosque in Sabga, about 20 kilometres from Bamenda, where three people were killed and nine injured during prayers. He also cited a January 14, 2026 attack on cattle rearers from the Mbororo community, which left at least 15 people dead, including children.

“The Islamic community has suffered,” he said, noting that violence and insecurity have disrupted livelihoods and forced the closure of businesses across several English speaking towns and villages.

Despite these losses, the Imam underscored a critical distinction in the conflict. “We thank God that this crisis has not degenerated into a religious war,” he said, stressing that communities of different faiths continue to coexist and “are still trying to love one another despite our religions.”

He concluded with a direct appeal to the Pope: “Holy Father, welcome and please help us to have peace again.”

The intervention adds a significant interfaith dimension to the Pope’s visit, reinforcing a shared demand for peace that cuts across religious lines in one of Cameroon’s most troubled regions.

#PopeLeoXIII

#NewsUpdate

#newstoday

#PapalVisit

#2026papalvisitcameroom

By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web

Tel: +237 694 71 85 77