In Advent 2025 Message, Catholic Bishop Decries Cameroon’s Prolonged Crisis, Post-election Violence, Urges Integrity

“Many of us now live in fear and suspicion, in communities divided by enmity, revenge, and mutual destruction. Families stand against families, neighbours against neighbours, Christians against fellow Christians,” Bishop Nkuo laments.

He adds, “We have been turned against one another. We must break this vicious cycle of hatred and mistrust within ourselves and among our people before we can hope to reconcile with external forces.”

Referencing the disputed October 12 presidential election, the Catholic Bishop notes widespread perceptions of injustice, intimidation, and fraud, saying these have “wounded many hearts and shaken citizens’ trust” in institutions meant to protect fairness and truth.

He calls for a Christian response rooted not in violence or revenge but in love, courage, and the pursuit of truth:

“To denounce evil without hatred, to demand justice without violence, and to defend the truth without fear,’ Bishop Nkuo says.

Bishop Nkuo stresses that true justice begins in the human heart. He invites Christians to a renewed commitment to prayer, fasting, repentance, and a rejection of misinformation.

“In this age of misinformation, Christians … must seek facts, verify information, and speak with integrity,” the Catholic Church leader says, noting that lies only worsen conflict and destroy efforts toward justice.

He insists that peace is “more than the absence of gunfire; it is the fruit of honest relationships, accountability, and moral integrity.”

“We cannot demand justice from leaders while practising corruption in our daily lives,” the Local Ordinary of Kumbo says.

Bishop Nkuo emphasizes that reconciliation requires honesty, courage, and justice—not superficial gestures.