The outcry of the Cameroonian people has risen to God (cf. Ex 3:9) and has reached us, we who observe daily the sociopolitical scene of our beautiful and great country, Cameroon. This cry of the people, which breaks the silence and pierces through all the noises that seek to stifle it, has become even more audible in recent years as we approach the presidential election scheduled for October 12.
We have paid close attention to the passionate debates regarding the possibility for individuals to submit, in accordance with the law, their candidacy for the highest office, which is the supreme position that any Cameroonian citizen can legitimately aspire to. Were these debates, sparked and provoked around the notions of “imperative mandate” and “representative mandate,” aimed at disqualifying certain candidates? The people murmur… we question ourselves.
In the context of this upcoming presidential election, we have noted the postponement of the municipal and legislative elections initially scheduled for March 2025, which will now take place, barring further delays, after the presidential election. Was this postponement motivated by political and strategic calculations? The people murmur… we question ourselves.
We have recorded 83 candidacies for the upcoming presidential election. Is this record number a sign of democratic vitality? Does it reveal a trivialization of the presidential office, or rather the desire of a large segment of Cameroonian citizens for alternation and change? In our great and beautiful country, Cameroon, which we proudly proclaim as advanced in democracy, should the word “alternation” inspire fear? The people murmur… we question ourselves.
We listened attentively on Saturday, July 26, 2025, to the announcement by ELECAM of the provisional list of 13 candidates selected to compete in this presidential election. We noted that on the morning of July 26, security and law enforcement forces had flooded the major intersections of some of our major cities. Was there fear of a reaction from the people? Do Truth and Justice need the force of arms to impose themselves on all or to protect themselves? Does not our Master and Lord, who is the way, the truth, and the life (Jn 14:6), say that the truth will set us free (Jn 8:32)? The people murmur… we question ourselves.
We have noted, before and after the convening of the electoral body, several appeals and complaints lodged by certain candidates and civil society actors with ELECAM, the Constitutional Council, and the courts regarding the non-publication of the national voter list. These appeals have faced systematic rejection or declarations of incompetence by the highest court in our country, which is responsible for ensuring the constitutionality of laws and overseeing the regularity of the electoral process. Were these claims contrary to the provisions of the electoral code? The people murmur… we question ourselves.
We have observed the systematic restrictions on public freedoms recognized for citizens and political parties, as well as the shrinking of public space. Do these behaviors, accompanied by threats, intimidation, and prohibitions, reflect a certain democratic fragility or a desire to silence the people? The people murmur… we question ourselves.
We have also noted the continuous rise of tribalism and hate speech in televised debates and on social media, which further divide Cameroonians. Does giving the impression of downplaying such a situation mean endorsing the diabolical adage that “to divide is to rule”? The people murmur… we question ourselves.
In light of all that has been mentioned, though not exhaustively, we believe that these behaviors and events unfolding on the eve of the presidential election do not foster peace. Yet everyone speaks of peace, both citizens genuinely devoted to peace and unsuspected troublemakers.
We declare that no lasting and true peace can come with lies, manipulation, intimidation, fear, denial of rights, injustice, corruption, the buying of consciences, the instrumentalization of the law, and its selective interpretation for political ends.
We proclaim that lasting peace is built on the solid and fortified foundations of a true rule of law, which are justice and truth. Injustice can never bring peace; electoral fraud can never bring peace; lawlessness can never bring peace; fear can never bring peace; the absence of alternation prepares the ground for future conflicts, not peace. Let us dare to say with Ecclesiastes, “There is a time for everything, a time for every matter under heaven” (Eccl 3:1), for, as Claude Lefort so aptly puts it: “The place of power appears as an empty place, and those who exercise it can only maintain it by submitting to the rules of the democratic game, that is, by accepting that they are there only temporarily.”(Claude Lefort, L’Invention démocratique : Les limites de la domination totalitaire, Paris, Fayard, 1981, p. 28.)
Yes, it must be said: democratic alternation is a great good for a nation, as it allows for the peaceful renewal of power, prevents the monopolization of power by a single group, strengthens the legitimacy of institutions, encourages the accountability of leaders, and gives citizens the sense of being truly sovereign.
As the pre-electoral disputes are about to begin, we call upon the truth and conscience of the members of the Constitutional Council and their sense of responsibility before the Cameroonian people, history, and God, who is the supreme Judge. We call on them to uphold only the law and nothing but the law, to render justice and nothing but justice, free from all political, administrative, and partisan influence, in fidelity to the oath they have sworn, so that the people may truly feel that justice has been served. As Lord Hewart would say, “Justice must not only be done, it must also be seen to be done.” We say that this is also how peace will reign in our country, and with the psalmist, we proclaim: “Love and truth will meet; justice and peace will kiss” (Psalm 85:11).
We want peace, but not just any peace—peace in law, justice, truth, light, and love (cf. 1 Cor 13). “As long as the reason of the strongest prevails and the loudest voice is deemed right,” as long as there is a two-tier society in our beautiful country, Cameroon, as long as there are double standards, as long as all this and much more persists, as long as the law of force takes precedence over the force of law, the people will continue to murmur, and we will continue to question ourselves.
As long as there is a society with two justices, we may speak of peace, pray for peace, plead for peace, but it will only be lies, comedy, hypocrisy, and duplicity. The people will continue to murmur, and we will continue to question ourselves.
Grant us, Lord our God, the courage not to fear proclaiming in the face of this diocese, which You have entrusted to us for the greater good of Your people, and in the name of those who cannot cry out. Grant us the strength to cry out and weep for those who can neither cry nor weep, whose cries are stifled by the noise and voices of the powerful of this world. May Your kingdom come, Lord, upon our land, and may a more beautiful and fraternal world dawn, for which You came, died, and rose again so that we may have life. Grant us peace. Amen.
I wholeheartedly grant you my apostolic blessing.
Our help is in the Name of the Lord, who made heaven and earth.
Given in Bafoussam, this 29th day of July 2025, on the feast of Saints Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. Done in Bafoussam, July 30, 2025.
+Paul Lontsié-Keuné, Bishop of Bafoussam
Bishops House of Bafoussam
P.O.Box. 263 Bafoussam (Cameroon)
Email: eveche.bafoussam@yahoo.fr
www.diocesedebafoussam.com
N/Ref: EV/PLK/286/07/2025