Archbishop Nkea: Cameroon Separatists Ready for Dialogue

​BAMENDA — Nearly a decade into a devastating socio-political conflict that has torn through Cameroon’s English-speaking regions, prominent religious leadership indicates a shifting tide on the ground. According to Archbishop Andrew Nkea of Bamenda, separatist fighters both domestic and abroad are increasingly fatigued by prolonged hostilities and display a newfound willingness to pursue negotiated settlements.

​Speaking on the public affairs program “Under The Baobab,” Archbishop Nkea emphasized that the Catholic Church remains deeply committed to bridging the gap between estranged factions. Having engaged in direct communications with key separatist figures, the prelate noted that mutual exhaustion from years of violence has created a critical window of opportunity for meaningful mediation.

​The Anglophone crisis—which escalated into an armed conflict following widespread protests by lawyers and teachers against perceived marginalization by the central government—has claimed thousands of lives and displaced over a million people since 2016. Throughout the protracted crisis, international observers and local communities have frequently looked to religious institutions as trusted intermediaries capable of navigating the deep mistrust dividing state authorities and secessionist groups.

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​Archbishop Nkea pointed to recent high-level diplomatic engagements, including the impactful apostolic visit of Pope Leo XIV to Cameroon, as vital catalysts for renewed peace efforts. The papal journey not only galvanized local hopes for reconciliation but also contributed to rare, localized temporary ceasefires observed by combatants seeking a path away from continuous bloodshed.

​While structural hurdles and deep-seated grievances remain, the Church maintains that sustained diplomatic outreach and direct dialogue represent the only viable framework to secure a permanent end to the crisis. Church officials continue to urge all primary stakeholders to prioritize political reconciliation to spare future generations from further devastation.