Anglophone separatists in Cameroon have declared a three-day "safe travel passage," halting combat operations in anticipation of Pope Leo XIV's visit. Leaders of armed secessionist groups stated the measure recognizes the "profound spiritual importance" of the papal visit and aims to safeguard civilian lives.
The nearly decade-long conflict in Cameroon's English-speaking regions has resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread displacement. Pope Leo XIV is on an 11-day tour of Africa, with Cameroon being a key stop.
Pope Leo is expected to visit Bamenda, the center of the conflict in the North-West region. The Unity Alliance, representing the separatist groups, emphasized their "deliberate commitment to responsibility, restraint, and respect for human dignity." They urged for the Pope's visit to remain "spiritual" and "pastoral," warning against any politicization.
The visit is viewed as a symbolic effort by the Catholic Church to foster peace and reconciliation, with a planned peace meeting at Bamenda's Saint Joseph's Cathedral.
