From Silence to Tremors: The Catholic Church, Biya’s Regime, and Dr. Sako’s Call for Moral Courage

Archbishop Samuel Kleda: His public call for moral probity resonates across the state and recalls the power of the church in the days of Bishop Ndongmo.

By The Independentist editorial desk

For decades, the Catholic Church in Cameroon has been both a moral compass and, at times, a target of political pressure. Its mission to speak truth to power has often brought it into uneasy tension with the state. Now, with Archbishop Samuel Kleda’s public call for President Paul Biya not to seek re-election in 2025, that long and complex relationship faces a new test.

A History of Strained Church–State Relations

Tensions between the Church and the state predate Paul Biya’s presidency. In the early 1970s, Bishop Albert Ndongmo of Nkongsamba was arrested and later exiled under President Ahmadou Ahidjo after being accused of sympathizing with the UPC rebellion — a charge he denied. While this happened before Biya took office in 1982, observers say it established a precedent for political intervention in church affairs.

Under Biya’s tenure, critics allege that the government has, at times, sought to influence church leaders through:

Co-option: Offering honors, development promises, and logistical support for church-run schools and hospitals.

Media control: Limiting the broadcast of sermons that challenge government policy.

Security monitoring: Keeping a close watch on outspoken clergy and religious gatherings.

Government officials, for their part, have stated that relations with the Church are based on mutual respect and cooperation in education, health, and humanitarian work.

Tragic Losses and Disputed Circumstances

Several high-profile deaths of clergy have deepened mistrust.

In 1991, Bishop Yves Plumey of Ngaoundéré was killed under circumstances that remain officially unsolved.

In 2017, Bishop Jean-Marie Benoît Bala of Bafia was found in the Sanaga River. Authorities concluded it was suicide, but the Catholic Bishops’ Conference publicly disagreed, stating he had been murdered.

The murder of the Bishop of Yagoua shocked many, though no conclusive link to political motives has been established publicly.

In all these cases, the government condemned the killings and promised investigations, while critics maintain that justice has been slow or incomplete.

Peace Efforts and Criticism

In recent years, Archbishop Andrew Nkea of Bamenda has been involved in state-facilitated “peace” missions aimed at reconciling communities affected by the conflict in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions. The government presents these missions as bridge-building efforts. However, some Ambazonian activists and human rights advocates argue that such initiatives sidestep the root causes of the crisis and risk legitimizing the status quo without addressing justice and accountability.

The Ambazonian Conflict and the Church’s Role

During the early stages of the conflict in Ambazonia, some Catholic statements referred to a “security crisis” rather than a political dispute rooted in decolonization. Dr. Samuel Ikome Sako, President of the Federal Republic of Ambazonia, has argued that this framing — intentional or not — echoed the government’s narrative and downplayed the humanitarian and political gravity of the situation.

Dr. Sako has consistently said:

The Church must be both advocate for the oppressed and voice for truth.

Neutrality in the face of grave injustice risks enabling further harm.

True peace requires addressing the root causes of conflict, not just silencing the guns.

He has praised recent statements from Archbishop Kleda and other bishops who have called for political change, viewing these as a reaffirmation of the Church’s prophetic mission.

“When the Church speaks truth to power, it stands on the side of Christ. When it blesses the guns that kill our children, it stands on the side of Caesar.” — Dr. Samuel Ikome Sako

Why This Moment Matters

The Catholic Church is Cameroon’s largest single moral institution, with millions of adherents across diverse communities. Public criticism of government policy by multiple bishops — including those from Yagoua, Ngaoundéré, Douala, Bafoussam, and Archbishop Kleda — carries both domestic and international significance.

The recent trip of former Prime Minister Philemon Yang to Rome, described by government sources as a diplomatic engagement with the Vatican, has been interpreted by some observers as an attempt to reassure the Holy See amid rising episcopal dissent.

A Moment of Decision

Dr. Sako sees this as a critical juncture:

It could shift the Church’s public stance toward greater advocacy for justice in the Ambazonian conflict.

It may encourage global Catholic networks to press for mediated dialogue grounded in truth and accountability.

It could redefine the moral landscape in Cameroon’s political life.

Whether the Church chooses to act primarily as a partner to the state or as an independent voice for the marginalized will help shape not only the outcome of the Ambazonian struggle but also the future moral authority of the Church in Cameroon.

The Independentist editorial desk