Anglophone separatists in Cameroon have announced a period of safe travel passage and halted fighting ahead of Pope Leo XIV's visit to the conflict‑hit region this week.
Leaders of several armed and secessionist groups stated that the three-day measure recognizes the profound spiritual importance of the papal visit scheduled for Wednesday, and aims to safeguard civilian life.
A statement from the Unity Alliance, which comprises these groups, indicated that they would facilitate the movement of those celebrating the visit. However, the Cameroonian government has not commented on the announcement.
Violence over the past decade in the English-speaking regions has resulted in at least 6,000 fatalities and displaced many more.
Pope Leo is currently in Algeria as part of his 11-day tour of the continent, which also includes visits to Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea, with peace being a central theme of his tour.
His visit to Bamenda, the epicenter of the conflict, is viewed as a symbolic gesture by the Catholic Church in efforts to promote peace and reconciliation. The Pope is expected to hold a meeting for peace at Saint Joseph's Cathedral, where all events will be free for attendees.
With more than a fifth of the global Catholic population in Africa, the significance of Pope Leo's visit reflects the Catholic Church's ongoing commitment to addressing conflicts and fostering dialogue in the region.
