By Sekaggya Seka Moses
Yaoundé, Cameroon – The Catholic Church in Cameroon has called for calm and restraint as the country awaits the official results of the presidential election held on October 12.
The election has been marked by controversy, with opposition candidate Issa Tchiroma Bakary declaring himself the winner despite the Constitutional Council not yet releasing the final results.
In a statement released by the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC), the Catholic Bishops expressed their hope that the official result would reflect the will of the electorate.
“We hope that the official result would reflect the will of the electorate, and nothing will be changed by any authority involved in this exercise,” the statement read.
The Church’s intervention is significant, given its influence and respect in the country.
Tchiroma’s declaration was met with criticism from both the government and the ruling party, with several officials describing it as illegal. The opposition candidate’s defiance and promise to defend his claimed victory have raised fears of violence in the central African nation.
The Constitutional Council is expected to declare the winner by October 27 and has begun hearing complaints regarding the election.
In a message to the judges, the Catholic Bishops reiterated a simple yet powerful message: “The truth shall set you free.” This statement echoes the sentiments of many Cameroonians who have urged the Constitutional Council to ensure that the result is not rigged.
The Catholic Church has been vocal in its criticism of President Paul Biya’s long-standing rule, with some prelates speaking out against his bid for re-election.
In January, Monsignor Yaouda Hourgo, Bishop of the Diocese of Yagoua, said it was preferable for the “devil” to take power rather than for Biya to seek re-election.
As the nation waits with bated breath for the official results, the Catholic Church’s call for calm and peace.
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