ArchBishop Andrew Nkea Calls for Responsibility and Peace at the Opening of the 49th Annual Seminar of the Bishops of Cameroon
During the Solemn Opening Ceremony of the 49th Annual Seminar of the Bishops of Cameroon on January 6, 2026, in the Diocese of Kumba, His Grace Andrew FUANYA NKEA, Archbishop of the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon (NECC), urged the Cameroonian people to take their responsibilities and allow the Bishops to focus on preaching their Gospel.
President of NECC opens 49th ANNUAL serminar
In his opening remarks, Archbishop Nkea invited God’s presence as bishops gathered for prayers to discuss their evangelization mission. He noted that following the hosting by the Mother Diocese of Buea, this year’s conference marks a significant moment for the youngest daughter, Kumba Diocese, which was established on March 15, 2016, by Pope Francis, having been carved out of the Diocese of Buea.
Bishops in attendance.
The Archbishop extended fraternal greetings to the Priests, Religious, and Laity of Kumba, commendably recognizing the achievements of the Diocese in just a decade. In his address, he recounted the Church’s reflections on the socio-political and economic landscape of Cameroon, referencing two pastoral letters issued earlier that denounced violence and advocated for social justice and peace—essential for lasting stability. He reiterated the need for sincere dialogue to address the ongoing sociopolitical crisis in the North-West and South-West Regions of Cameroon. Condemning post-electoral violence, Archbishop Nkea emphasized that such actions breed further violence rather than lasting peace. Citing Canon Law 447, he firmly stated that the National Episcopal Conference is not a political party nor a body declaring electoral results. He called on the citizens of Cameroon to assume their political responsibilities and avoid leveraging the Church as a shield for inaction.
The host Bishop, His Lordship Agapitus Nfon, Bishop of Kumba, welcomed his brother bishops to Kumba and entrusted the seminar to the guidance of the Holy Spirit, wishing for a successful event.
Host Bishop welcoming his brother Bishops.
In the welcoming spirit of Kumba, the city mayor, Gregory Mewanu, assured the Bishops of a peaceful stay in this hospitable city, expressing gratitude to God for their presence.
KUMBA city mayor, Mr GREGORY MEWANU
Also in attendance, the Senior Divisional Officer for Meme Division, Chamberlain Ntou’ou Ndong, conveyed his gratitude to the Bishops for their prayers that have contributed to restoring peace and security close to about 80 %. He urged the Bishops to continue praying for the full return of peace and prosperity to Meme Division, invoking healing for those affected by the current crises in the NW and SW Regions.
SDO of MEME, MR Chamberlain Ndong.
This opening ceremony, marked by calls for unity and responsibility, sets an inspirational tone as the bishops gather to deliberate on critical issues facing their communities, all while seeking divine guidance and support.
