By Synthia Lateu
The Metropolitan Archbishop of Douala, Samuel Kleda, has warned that Cameroon is “ailing in every sector” and urgently needs new leaders and a new approach to escape its current crisis.
In a recent pastoral letter addressed to religious stakeholders, people of goodwill, and government authorities ahead of the October 12 presidential election, Archbishop Kleda stressed that the country is in dire need of peace, justice, and reconciliation, as it is shaken by “many evils that affect all social classes.”
“We all see that our country is sick in every area, and our leaders seem to have lost their way. Their stubbornness in running the country is worrying,” Archbishop Kleda said.
He attributed the widespread malaise to entrenched “anti-evangelical” practices in governance, listing poor leadership and corruption, a distorted democracy, poverty and unemployment, illegal migration, crumbling infrastructure, poor access to water and electricity, opaque oil management, injustice in mining, and the ongoing Anglophone and Far North security crises.
On elections, Archbishop Kleda condemned the manipulation of the democratic process:
“It is morally unacceptable to hold elections whose results are known in advance…It is morally unacceptable for the validation of candidates for election to be surrounded by suspicion, controversy, and political manipulation”.
The religious leader further questioned why resources are wasted organizing elections if the winner is already predetermined. He argued that such funds should instead be invested in roads, hospitals, and schools, rather than enriching officials.
On the crises in the Anglophone regions and the Far North, the Archbishop accused authorities of failing to act: “We have the impression these crises benefit certain individuals who oppose appeasement, as well as those who, for their own personal interests, are appropriating budgets allocated to national security.” He added that the crisis concerns everyone and needs urgent mobilisation.
Archbishop Kleda further urged Cameroonians to break free from “the chains of destruction and division” and reminded them that God has blessed the country with the resources it needs
“The destructive force of men is not greater than God’s love for our people.” He stated.
Archbishop Kleda, a vocal critic of the regime, was notably absent from a recent meeting between several bishops and the Secretary-General at the Presidency, Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, held on the instructions of President Paul Biya. The meeting, ahead of the presidential polls, drew criticism from those who believe the Catholic hierarchy should remain strictly apolitical.
The delegation, led by Archbishop Andrew Fuanya Nkea, later issued a statement saying they came “as men of God, bearers of the concerns and aspirations of the people.”
