Why Biya must hearken to "holy" advice!.

In its ninth year, it remains the most pressing challenge to peace, followed by corruption, which impedes development, bends the sword of justice and propels poverty, especially among youths.

The key words in the Pope's speech to President Biya on arrival in Yaounde were justice, peace and corruption. 

It is an unholy trinity, in which the Cameroon government, under President Paul Biya, has been notorious for.

Pope Leo XIV in a pointed speech on Wednesday, advised him and his government to examine their "conscience," and tackle corruption and rights abuses. 

In an address Vatican watchers described as in an "unusually direct tone to officials, including Biya, 93, who has led the central African country with a tight grip, since 1982, Pope Leo XIV urged Cameroonian authorities to "serve as bridges, never as sources of division, even when insecurity seems prevalent…”. 

He was categorical that: "Security is a priority, but it must always be exercised with respect for human rights," the Pope said to Biya, whose authorities repressed protests sparked by his disputed re-election for an eighth term in October last year.

The Holy See warned that “while unemployment and social exclusion persist, frustration can lead to violence”. 

He recommended “investing in the education, training and entrepreneurship of young people” as “a strategic choice for peace” and as “the only way to curb the outflow of wonderful talents to other parts of the world” and “to combat the scourges of drugs, prostitution and apathy, which are devastating too many young lives”. 

Referring to the Anglophone crisis, he said, the country faces “complex difficulties,” and is experiencing “tensions and violence,” that “have caused profound suffering...lives have been lost, families displaced, children deprived of schooling and young people no longer see a future. Behind the numbers are the faces, stories and shattered hopes of a people...it is time to examine our consciences and take a bold leap forward". 

Pope Leo XIV told those in authority that “for peace and justice to prevail, the chains of corruption, which disfigure authority and strip it of its credibility, must be broken. Hearts must be set free from an idolatrous thirst for profit: True profit comes from integral human development, that is, the balanced growth of all the aspects that make life on this earth a blessing”.

In response, President Biya, who, in previous speeches, both at home and at the international levels, extolled the virtue of peace, justice and reconciliation, said "...the world needs the message of peace," brought by the Pope.

President Biya has been told the bitter truth that has been repeated before by the United Nations, the African Union, the European Union, Transparency International and even civil society personalities like Sir Dr Ntumfor Barrister Nico Halle, the late Cardinal Tumi etc, that peace in the North West and South West Regions requires a political solution, with a sincere dialogue and all issues on the table.

As for corruption, Article 66 of the Constitution, which requires President Biya and other elected officials to declare their assets, when they take office and on departure, remains in limbo, for over two decades.

President Biya may be called ‘Mr Clean’, but records indicate that it is no exaggeration to say history indicates that he has been surrounded by swindlers of public funds.

At least five of the Secretaries General or Assistants at the Presidency of the Republic, from Ephraim Inoni to Marafa Hamidou Yaya, through Atangana Mebara, Titus Edzoa and Alphonse Siyam Siwe, have been convicted for embezzlement, including the former finance minister, Polycape Abah Abah.

On a trajectory of justice, corruption and peace on which the Pope anchored his divine message to President Biya, he have three actions to take to hearken to the holy message.

The first is to restructure the Higher Judiciary Council, with a Parliamentary Commission that offers immunity from dismissal to Supreme Court justices, once appointed.

Secondly, "break that chain" of corruption, by appointing members of the Commission for Declaration of Assets as required by law.

Thirdly, the President should conscientiously concede that the Major National Dialogue has failed to resolve the conflict in the Anglophone Regions, and re-engage the Swiss initiative that was applauded by the international community.

With the re-introduction of the post of Vice President, a preserve for Anglophones, it was with reunification, it is certain that he is preparing for his transition. 

The Pope's divine voice should be a reminder to President Biya to take action for a glorious legacy he shall live behind, sooner or later.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3763 of Friday April 17, 2026