The President of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC), His Grace Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya of Bamenda, has called for renewed efforts towards achieving genuine and lasting peace in Cameroon, particularly in the North West and South West Regions.
The Archbishop made the appeal on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, during the solemn opening ceremony of the 51st Ordinary Plenary Assembly of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon, taking place at the NECC Headquarters in Mvolyé, Yaoundé.
Drawing inspiration from the teachings of Pope Leo XIV on peace and reconciliation, Archbishop Nkea emphasized that young people remain central to any meaningful and sustainable peace process. He stressed that peace must go beyond slogans and declarations and should be translated into concrete actions capable of restoring hope and stability to affected communities.
Archbishop Andrew Nkea in his opening address
The Archbishop lamented the continued suffering of populations in the North West and South West Regions, noting that years of violence have claimed lives, displaced thousands of families, disrupted education, and deprived many young people of opportunities for a better future.
Bishops during attendance
According to him, investment in education, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurship constitutes one of the surest pathways to building lasting peace and fostering sustainable development.
Archbishop Nkea also expressed gratitude to the Bishops of Cameroon for their unwavering commitment and sacrifices in proclaiming the Gospel and serving God’s people across the country despite numerous pastoral challenges.
Cross section of Bishops in attendance
He further extended appreciation to the various institutions, organizations, and individuals who contributed to the successful pastoral visit of the Holy Father to Cameroon and Bamenda, notably Mr. Okie Johnson and his organizing committee, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Defence, and numerous volunteers whose efforts contributed to the success of the event.
Earlier, the host Archbishop, His Grace Jean Mbarga, Archbishop of Yaoundé, welcomed the Bishops and Archbishops to the nation’s capital and reflected on some of the blessings recently experienced by the Church in Cameroon.
Archbishop of Yaoundé
Among these, he highlighted the declaration of Venerable Jean Thierry Ebogo, the young Cameroonian seminarian whose heroic witness of faith and suffering was recently recognized by Pope Leo XIV, bringing the Church in Cameroon one step closer to the possible beatification of one of her sons.
Archbishop Mbarga also recalled significant milestones being celebrated within the Archdiocese of Yaoundé, including major jubilee anniversaries that continue to strengthen the faith of the local Church.
The opening ceremony concluded with a group photograph bringing together the Bishops, Archbishops, and members of the various commissions participating in the Assembly.
The five-day Plenary Assembly, which brings together the Catholic Bishops of Cameroon to reflect on the life and mission of the Church, is scheduled to conclude on Friday, June 5, 2026.
