Catholic bishops in Cameroon call for President Paul Biya to step down before the October elections, questioning the viability of his continued presidency amid widespread discontent and political stagnation. The bishops reflect the frustrations of Cameroonians facing ongoing crises, with calls for active citizen responsibility as they approach transformative junctures in the nation’s governance.
In Cameroon, a significant call has arisen from the nation’s Catholic bishops urging President Paul Biya to consider stepping down prior to the upcoming elections in October. At 92 years old, President Biya has held power for an unprecedented 42 years, positioning him as the oldest serving head of state globally. While he has yet to formally announce his candidacy, indications in his recent New Year’s address suggest a desire to prolong his presidency, prompting leaders from the Church and political analysts to advocate for his resignation in favor of change.
The sentiments shared by the bishops reflect widespread discontent among the Cameroonian populace, grappling with prolonged political stagnation and civil unrest. Bishop Barthelemy Yaouda Hourgo articulated the frustrations felt by many during an interview on Equinoxe TV, highlighting the dire impacts of both a separatist crisis in English-speaking regions and the persistent threats from Boko Haram amidst the ongoing conflict in the Far North.
In a more direct admonition, Archbishop Samuel Kleda of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Douala expressed his unwillingness to support another term for President Biya, labeling such an expectation as “not realistic.” His comments on Radio France Internationale emphasized the finite nature of life and the responsibility of leadership: “At some point, we leave this world. We are not immortal.” Concurrently, Archbishop Jean Mbarga of Yaoundé called upon citizens to embrace their responsibilities as they approach both a jubilee year and an election year, emphasizing the importance of active participation in shaping their nation’s future.
The bishops’ appeal comes amid their 48th Plenary Assembly convened in Buea, which underscores a pivotal moment for voicing the collective hope for a transformative change within the leadership of Cameroon.
The call for President Biya to step aside emerges within a context of considerable political tension and social dissatisfaction in Cameroon. Since his ascension to power in 1982, Biya has faced increasing pressure from different sectors of society due to ongoing socio-political crises, including separatist movements and insurgencies. The recent comments from the bishops reflect a broader sentiment among the citizenry, particularly in light of the challenges posed by conflict and governance failures that have marked his lengthy presidency.
In summary, the strong appeal from Cameroon’s Catholic bishops for President Biya to relinquish his position ahead of the imminent elections highlights significant frustrations surrounding his extended rule. With deep-rooted political issues and social unrest plaguing the nation, their unified emphasis on responsible leadership underscores a crucial moment for Cameroon as it approaches both jubilee and election years. The statements from various bishops epitomize the increasing demand for change and accountability from the current leadership.
Original Source: www.vaticannews.va
