Cameroon’s powerful Catholic Church has called for peace and restraint amid rising political tension following disputed claims of victory in the country’s presidential election.
The appeal comes after opposition candidate and former government spokesman Issa Tchiroma Bakary declared himself the winner of the 12 October election, a move that has sparked controversy and fears of unrest.
Tchiroma, 76, insists he defeated long-serving President Paul Biya, who at 92 is seeking to extend his 43-year rule by another seven years.
His self-proclaimed victory has been rejected by both the government and Biya’s ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement, which dismissed his announcement as “illegal” and premature.
The Constitutional Council, the only body authorized to declare official results, has yet to publish the outcome of the vote. It has until 27 October to make an official announcement.
As tensions rise, the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC) released a statement urging all parties to remain calm and allow the legal process to take its course.
The Catholic Bishops said they hoped that the final results would reflect the genuine will of the people and would not be altered by any political influence.
“The truth shall set you free,” the Bishops reminded the Constitutional Council, emphasizing that peace and justice must prevail over political ambition.
The Catholic Church in Cameroon holds significant moral authority and is often regarded as the voice of conscience in national affairs.
Its intervention comes at a critical moment, as supporters of both Biya and Tchiroma wait anxiously for the official results.
Political observers warn that any perception of electoral manipulation could trigger protests or violence in the already fragile Central African nation.
Several Church leaders have previously criticized President Biya’s long stay in power and accused his administration of suppressing dissent and mismanaging national resources.
In January, Bishop Yaouda Hourgo of Yagoua in the Far North region made headlines when he said it would be better for “the devil” to take power than for Biya to seek another term, reflecting deep frustration among some clergy.
Cameroon has experienced political tension before, especially during past elections when opposition parties accused the government of rigging results.
This year’s election has drawn particular attention due to Biya’s advanced age and growing public demand for political change.
The opposition says the election was marred by irregularities, including intimidation of voters and biased media coverage.
However, government officials have insisted that the process was free, fair, and transparent.
The Constitutional Council is now reviewing petitions alleging fraud and misconduct. Hearings are scheduled to begin on Wednesday, with the Council’s verdict expected to shape the country’s political future.
Security forces have been deployed in major cities, including Yaoundé and Douala, as authorities prepare for possible unrest once the results are announced.
International observers have urged all sides to respect the rule of law and to resolve disputes through legal channels rather than violence.
For many Cameroonians, the Catholic Church’s call for calm offers a voice of reason at a time of uncertainty and growing division.
As the nation awaits the Constitutional Council’s decision, hopes are high that the outcome will bring clarity, restore confidence in democratic institutions, and preserve peace in Cameroon.
If the church’s appeal is heeded, Cameroon could yet avoid the turmoil that has plagued other African nations during disputed elections.
