The Non-Negotiable Mandate: Justice Is the Only Path to Peace

The Pope’s visit should not be seen as a conclusion, but as a moment of heightened diplomatic engagement—an opportunity to advance a just and lasting resolution.

By Timothy Enongene, Guest Editor-in-Chief, The Independentistnews
30 March 2026

As we welcome the Pope, we must be clear—both in conviction and in message. What we seek is not a “peace” defined by silence or the temporary absence of conflict. We seek a peace grounded in justice, dignity, and the recognition of our right to self-determination.

The Holy See must understand that what is often framed as the “Cameroon Anglophone Decolonial Option” is not a matter of preference; it is the product of history. It reflects unresolved questions rooted in a flawed decolonisation process that cannot be addressed through symbolism alone.

Our message to Rome is therefore measured but firm: this visit must not be used to legitimise the status quo. Language of “unity” should not obscure the lived realities of marginalisation and grievance. True unity cannot be declared—it must be built on fairness, consent, and justice.

We call on the Vatican to use its moral and diplomatic influence to advocate for the immediate and unconditional release of all political prisoners held in Kondengui and elsewhere. More broadly, we urge support for a credible, mediated process that engages honestly with the root causes of the conflict, rather than its symptoms.

At the same time, the responsibility before us is equally clear. By ensuring that this visit unfolds peacefully, we strengthen our moral standing and reinforce the legitimacy of our demands. We demonstrate that our struggle is not against peace itself, but against injustice.

The Pope’s visit should not be seen as a conclusion, but as a moment of heightened diplomatic engagement—an opportunity to advance a just and lasting resolution.

The Call of the Future

The structures of injustice may appear enduring, but they are not immovable. Over time, they yield to the steady resolve of a people who understand their rights and refuse to abandon them.

The future belongs not to silence, but to justice—and to those willing to pursue it with clarity, discipline, and unwavering purpose.

Timothy Enongene, Guest Editor-in-Chief, The Independentistnews