Yaoundé – “During these ten years of suffering, our young people have grown up surrounded by violence,” says Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya of Bamenda, capital of Mezam Division in Cameroon’s English-speaking North-West Region. The two English-speaking regions of Cameroon, the North-West and South-West, have been shaken by ten years of war between the Cameroonian armed forces and separatist rebel groups .
For this reason, Archbishop Nkea is preparing a unique catechism on peace, aimed at helping rebuild a generation marked by a decade of violence and inspired by the message of peace of Pope Leo XIV.
Bamenda was in fact an important stop during the Holy Father’s visit to Cameroon . “Blessed are the peacemakers! But woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of God for their own military, economic and political gain, dragging that which is sacred into darkness and filth,” Pope Leo XIV said.
The text will consist of 100 questions and answers designed to teach young people of every faith the values of human dignity, reconciliation and respect for life. With the support of Aid to the Church in Need , the catechism is expected to be printed and distributed widely among children and young people throughout the North-West Region.
According to a cautious estimate cited by Archbishop Nkea, between 8,000 and 10,000 people have been killed, although the Archbishop believes the actual figure may be higher. There is also the tragedy of internally displaced persons, with between 800,000 and one million people forced to flee their homes.
In addition, children and young people have been deprived of education for years because they are unable to attend school. Schools were among the first targets of the Anglophone separatists who reject teaching in French.
Violence has also affected the Church, with priests, religious and bishops kidnapped in recent years.
Catholic Daily - Catholic news and inspiration. Brought to you by Queen of Peace Productions.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.