Cameroon Separatists Declare Ceasefire for Pope's Visit

Tue Apr 14 2026 18:42:07 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Anglophone separatists in Cameroon have announced a ceasefire ahead of Pope Leo XIV's visit, citing the spiritual significance of the event and the need to protect civilians.

In a significant development ahead of Pope Leo XIV's visit to Cameroon, Anglophone separatist groups have declared a temporary ceasefire to ensure safe passage for citizens during the pontiff's stay. This three-day truce is seen as a gesture of goodwill amid ongoing violence between separatists and government forces, which has claimed thousands of lives over the past decade. The Pope's arrival in Bamenda, the epicenter of the conflict on Wednesday, aims to promote peace and reconciliation.

Anglophone separatists in Cameroon have announced a period of safe travel passage and halted fighting ahead of Pope Leo XIV's visit to the conflict-hit region this week.

Leaders of several armed and secessionist groups stated that the three-day measure recognizes the profound spiritual importance of the papal visit, which begins on Wednesday, and emphasizes the need to protect civilian lives.

In a statement from Unity Alliance, the coalition of separatist groups, it was declared that they would facilitate the movement of attendees celebrating the visit. The government has yet to issue a response.

The ongoing conflict in the English-speaking regions has led to over 6,000 deaths and displaced many, marking a near-decade of violence.

Pope Leo is currently on a tour of Africa that includes stops in Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea, emphasizing themes of peace during his visit.

The Pope's arrival in Algeria marks a significant moment as he is the first pope to visit the predominantly Sunni Muslim nation. He is expected to hold a mass at the Basilica of Saint Augustine during his stay.

In Bamenda, regarded as the epicenter of the conflict, the Unity Alliance stated the truce demonstrates a deliberate commitment to responsibility, restraint, and respect for human dignity amidst strife. It reiterated that the papal visit should maintain its spiritual focus and warned against any politicization of the event.

All sites attended by the Pope will be open to the public free of charge. His extensive 11-city tour reflects the crucial role of Catholicism in Africa, where approximately 288 million Catholics reside.