Catholic Bishops urge
Cameroon to start talks with separatists
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| An internally displaced woman poses at a window in Cameroon (AFP) |
Catholic Bishops from around the world sign an open letter
to the President of Cameroon, Paul Biya, asking him to begin peace negotiations
with the separatist movement in that country.
By Fr. John Waters
In response to an attack on the village of Ntumbo, in the
north-east of the country, 16 bishops from around the world have drafted an
open letter to Paul Biya, the President of Cameroon.
Civilians suffering
The open letter by the Bishops stresses that they are not
taking political sides in the disagreements.
“We are motivated by our concern about the suffering of
unarmed civilians, and the stability and prosperity of Cameroon,” the Bishops
write.
The letter also notes that at least 2,000 people have died
as a result of the conflict.
“Each of these lives is precious and we mourn their
suffering and wish to prevent more loss of life and innocence.”
The Bishops also applaud previous efforts to negotiate a
settlement, and note that “if all parties treat each other as they wish to be
treated, a solution is possible.”
Facts about the attack
At least 22 people were killed in the attack on Friday, 14
February, including 14 children and at least one pregnant woman.
Houses were also burned down during the attack.
No group has yet claimed responsibility.
Larger context
A political crisis has been unfolding in Cameroon since
2017.
English speakers in the country, where the official language
is French, have complained that they are treated as second-class citizens and
are denied basic rights.
A number of separatist militias have been fighting with
government forces as a result of the situation.
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