At the invitation of the Swiss Ambassador to Cameroon, His Lordship Bishop Michael Miabesue Bibi, Bishop of Buea, met with Her Excellency Nathalie Kohli, Ambassador of Switzerland to Cameroon, on June 1, 2026, in Yaoundé.
The high-level audience provided an opportunity for fruitful exchanges on matters of mutual interest, including the mission of the Church in Cameroon, ongoing humanitarian efforts, and the pursuit of peace and development in regions affected by socio-political challenges.
Bishop Bibi and Ambassador Nathalie Kholi
During the meeting, Bishop Bibi briefed the Ambassador on the situation in the crisis-affected areas of the Diocese of Buea and highlighted the significant role the Church continues to play in accompanying and supporting local communities. He outlined several humanitarian and development initiatives undertaken by the Diocese, including the provision of potable water to communities such as Ikata and Bafia, the distribution of relief assistance to vulnerable populations, the reopening and support of schools, scholarship opportunities for affected pupils and students, sporting activities aimed at promoting peace and social cohesion, as well as various youth empowerment and livelihood initiatives.
The Bishop emphasized the Church’s commitment to fostering peace, restoring hope, and promoting sustainable development among populations affected by the ongoing crisis.
For her part, Ambassador Nathalie Kohli commended Bishop Bibi and the Diocese of Buea for their tireless humanitarian and pastoral efforts in serving the people. She reiterated the importance of peace, dialogue, and reconciliation as essential foundations for lasting stability and development in the affected regions.
The meeting comes ahead of the Ambassador’s visit to Buea, where she is expected to engage with various stakeholders in the South West Region.
It should be recalled that Switzerland has played a notable role in supporting efforts aimed at fostering dialogue and contributing to a peaceful resolution of the Anglophone crisis. Ambassador Nathalie Kohli, who presented her Letters of Credence to President Paul Biya in 2024, also serves as Switzerland’s accredited ambassador to Equatorial Guinea and the Central African Republic.
The audience further strengthened the cordial relations between the Diocese of Buea and the Swiss diplomatic mission, while reaffirming a shared commitment to peace, human dignity, and the well-being of affected communities.
