Anglophone separatist groups in Cameroon have announced a temporary pause in fighting to facilitate the upcoming visit of Pope Leo XIV to the conflict-torn region.
Leaders of several armed secessionist factions declared a period of "safe travel passage" ahead of the pontiff's arrival this Wednesday. The move aims to protect civilians and recognize the spiritual importance of the papal visit.
In a statement released by the Unity Alliance, a coalition of the various groups, the movement pledged to facilitate the movement of pilgrims and visitors. "Our decision reflects a deliberate commitment to responsibility, restraint, and respect for human dignity, even in the context of ongoing conflict," the Alliance stated.
A mission for peace
The Pope's visit to Bamenda, the capital of the North-West region, marks a critical moment in the ongoing struggle between state forces and separatists. The conflict in the English-speaking regions has claimed at least 6,000 lives and displaced countless families over the last decade.
The Unity Alliance warned against the politicization of the event, insisting the visit should remain purely "spiritual" and "pastoral" in nature. The Cameroonian government has not yet issued an official response to the ceasefire announcement.
However, authorities in the Francophone-dominated government stated that security measures are already in place to protect the scheduled sites. Officials confirmed that all locations the Pope attends will be free of charge for the public.
Pope Leo XIV is currently on an 11-day tour of Africa, having recently arrived in Algeria. His itinerary also includes stops in Angola and Equatorial Guinea, with a focus on promoting peace and reconciliation across the continent.
This tour is the pontiff's second major foreign mission since his election last year. The visit highlights the growing importance of the African continent, which now accounts for more than 20 percent of the world's Catholic population.