Separatist groups in Cameroon’s conflict-hit English-speaking regions have announced a temporary ceasefire to coincide with the visit of Pope Leo XIV. This marks a rare pause in the conflict that has dragged on for nearly a decade.
The alliance of separatist movements said the three-day ceasefire will run from April 15 to April 17, framing the move as a humanitarian gesture to allow safe movement for civilians and visitors during the papal visit.
The truce is expected to cover parts of the country’s Northwest and Southwest regions, where armed groups have been fighting government forces since 2017 in a bid to create an independent state known as Ambazonia. The conflict has left thousands dead and displaced large numbers of civilians, with violence frequently disrupting daily life.
Separatist leaders described the ceasefire as a “safe travel passage,” aimed particularly at ensuring that people can attend events linked to the Pope’s visit without fear of attacks or clashes. The pontiff is scheduled to visit the city of Bamenda on April 16 as part of his broader African tour.
The ceasefire declaration comes as Pope Leo XIV embarks on a 10-day trip across Africa, with stops in Algeria, Cameroon, Angola and Equatorial Guinea. The visit is expected to focus heavily on peace, reconciliation and the continent’s development challenges.
Within Cameroon, the Pope’s visit carries particular significance. The Anglophone regions have been at the centre of one of Africa’s most protracted and underreported conflicts, marked by kidnappings, school closures and repeated clashes between separatist fighters and government troops.
A spokesperson for one of the separatist groups said the ceasefire reflects a commitment to “human dignity” and respect for the spiritual importance of the visit, even as the broader political dispute remains unresolved.
However, questions remain over whether the truce will hold. Previous ceasefire declarations in the conflict have been unevenly observed, with multiple armed factions operating independently and not always adhering to central directives. Analysts warn that while the announcement is symbolically important, enforcement on the ground could prove difficult.
The Cameroonian government has not officially responded to the ceasefire announcement, and it remains unclear whether security forces will adjust their operations during the period.
Still, the timing of the move underscores the influence of the Pope’s visit. Beyond its religious significance, the trip is being closely watched as an opportunity to draw global attention to conflicts and humanitarian challenges across Africa, including the crisis in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions.
For many residents, even a brief pause in violence could offer a rare window of calm. Whether it leads to broader dialogue or remains a symbolic gesture will depend on what follows after the Pope’s departure.
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Emmanuel Abara Benson is a business journalist and editor covering artificial intelligence, global markets, and emerging technology.
He has previously worked with Business Insider Africa and Nairametrics, reporting on finance, startups, and innovation.
His work focuses on AI, digital economy, and global tech trends.
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