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 said the three-day measure was in recognition of the 'profound spiritual importance' of the papal visit, which starts on Wednesday, and the need to safeguard civilian life.
In a statement from Unity Alliance - which brings the groups together - they said they would facilitate the movement of those celebrating the visit. The government is yet to comment.
A near-decade of violence in the English-speaking regions has left at least 6,000 dead and many more forced from their homes.
Pope Leo is currently in Algeria for a second day as part of his 11-day tour of the continent, which will also include visits to Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea. Peace is one of the major themes of his visit.
The pontiff is in Annaba - the birthplace of St Augustine where he is expected to celebrate Mass at the Basilica of Saint Augustine.
The Pope's second country stop is Cameroon, where he will visit Bamenda, the center of the country's conflict between Anglophone separatists and state forces. The decision to pause fighting reflects a commitment to responsibility, restraint, and respect for human dignity amid the ongoing conflict.
While the Cameroonian government has yet to react to the separatists' announcement, appropriate measures have been taken to ensure security in cities scheduled to host the Pope.
Pope Leo's visit is anticipated as a symbolic effort by the Catholic Church to promote peace and reconciliation, with all sites to be attended by the Pope being free of charge for visitors. The visit underscores the significant presence of Catholicism in Africa, which is home to over a fifth of the world's Catholics, amounting to approximately 288 million people.
