As Pope Leo XIV's visit to Cameroon approaches, families of political prisoners are seizing the opportunity to call for the release of their loved ones. A memorandum has been submitted to the Archbishop of Douala, Samuel Kleda, in the hope that the pontiff can intervene on their behalf.
The Collective of Women and Mothers of Political Prisoners (COFEM), led by civil society figures such as Alice Nkom, Makini Tchameni (wife of Djeukam Tchameni), and Henriette Ekwe, officially submitted the memorandum on April 13, 2026. This collective denounces the detention of Djeukam Tchameni, as well as that of numerous individuals arrested in connection with the crisis in the English-speaking Northwest and Southwest regions. They believe that the Pope's voice, due to its universal reach, can help advance calls for justice and appeasement. An international petition supporting this cause has reportedly already gathered over 580,000 signatures.
The Archbishop of Douala, Samuel Kleda, emphasized the spiritual importance of the papal visit, calling on the faithful to become "artisans of peace". He also addressed the issue of detainees following the electoral crises, pointing out that some have not been tried, which reflects a deterioration of the rule of law. Archbishop Kleda hopes that the Pope's visit will offer an opportunity to release prisoners held without trial.
Pope Leo XIV's visit to Cameroon, which takes place from April 15 to 18, 2026, comes in a delicate context, marked by hopes for peace but also by fears of political instrumentalization. The country remains marked by the conflict in the English-speaking regions and post-electoral tensions. Critical voices fear that the visit will be perceived as support for Paul Biya's government, weakened by accusations of repression.
The Pope's program includes a meeting for peace in Bamenda, the epicenter of the Anglophone conflict, and a Mass for justice and peace. Separatists have announced a pause in fighting to allow the visit to proceed smoothly. The Pope's arrival is seen by some as a moment of national unity, while others hope it will shed light on human rights issues and the detention conditions of political prisoners.
The situation of political prisoners remains a sensitive subject in Cameroon. The families' call for the release of their loved ones comes as Pope Leo XIV makes his first visit to Africa, a 10-day trip that will also take him to Algeria, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea.
The Pope's attention to the situation of prisoners could encourage progress towards reconciliation and justice in the country.
