The Bishop of the Diocese of Buea, His Lordship Michael Bibi, has reassured inmates of the Buea Central Prison that their present situation is not their final destination, but a period meant for reflection, conversion, and renewal of life.
The Bishop made this message on Thursday, December 26th, 2025, during a Eucharistic celebration held at the esplanade of the Buea Central Prison. The Mass was attended by priests, religious men and women, prison administrators, and hundreds of Christians from across the Diocese of Buea.
In his homily, Bishop Bibi reminded inmates that Christ came for the salvation of all humanity, regardless of their past. He acknowledged that while some inmates are serving sentences as a result of mistakes, others may find themselves in detention under difficult or unjust circumstances. He encouraged all prisoners to remain hopeful, to turn to God, and to use their time in detention as an opportunity for personal and spiritual transformation.
Bishop Bibi celebrating Mass at the prion facility
“This place is not your destination,” the Bishop told the inmates. “Let it be a place of reflection and change, so that when you regain your freedom, you will not return here.”
During the celebration, about six inmates received the Sacrament of Confirmation, administered by the Bishop. He commended the priests, catechists, the Justice and Peace Commission, CARITAS of the Diocese of Buea, and the prison administration for their collaboration in the pastoral care of inmates.
The Bishop also arrived with foodstuffs, clothes, cooking oil, and other essential items, donated by Christians, religious communities, and partners of the Diocese. He expressed gratitude for this generosity and encouraged church groups to continually remember prisoners in their prayers and annual pastoral activities, drawing inspiration from Christ’s words: “I was in prison and you visited me.”
Prion administrators gave the Bishop guided tour to water points around the prison
Reflecting on the concerns raised by inmates last year, Bishop Bibi outlined several concrete actions already taken by the Diocese. These include the construction of a functional borehole, which has significantly eased the long-standing water crisis in the prison, the payment of fines leading to the release of over 20 inmates who had completed their sentences, and the sponsorship of more than two dozen prisoners to pursue education while in detention.
One of the most outstanding testimonies is the sponsorship of an inmate who excelled in the GCE Advanced Level examinations and gained admission into the Catholic University Institute of Buea, with the support of the Bishop.
In their response, prison administrators expressed profound appreciation to the Bishop and the Diocese of Buea, particularly for addressing the issue of portable water, which they described as a major breakthrough for the facility. The principal of the prison school also presented the academic report for the year, noting a significant increase in enrollment from primary to secondary levels, with most teachers being inmates.
Bishop Bibi drinks from the borehole he donated to Buea central prison
The representatives of the inmates also raised some concerns among which the need for provision of solar lamps to curb insecurity within the facility during power failure and need for permanent chaplain at the prison
Responding further to the concerns of inmates, Bishop Bibi announced that by the end of January 2026, all inmates who are still detained solely due to unpaid fines will regain their freedom. He also pledged to provide solar-powered electricity to the prison, a move aimed at improving security and living conditions within the facility. In addition, the Bishop promised to examine the financial situation of teachers within the prison school, many of whom are inmates, with a view to improving their welfare. Finally, the Bishop said he will discuss with his college of consultors in January and ensures a permanent chaplain is appointed to carter for their spiritual need
Reaffirming the Church’s commitment to human dignity, Bishop Bibi emphasized that education is a fundamental human right that should never be denied, even in detention. He thanked the prison administration for working closely with CARITAS and the Justice and Peace Commission to better respond to the needs of inmates.
The Bishop concluded his visit with a guided tour of the prison, particularly the water distribution points, and urged administrators to ensure that water flows consistently throughout the year for the well-being of all inmates.
