Special Statement on the Crisis in Cameroon

By Rt. Rev. Dr. Nyansako-ni-NKU
Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon and
President of the All Africa Conference of Churches

From Monday, February 25, 2008, a wave of violence has swept through our beautiful nation. This has been due to a strike action that was called to protest against the increase of fuel prices.

Unfortunately, this whirlwind has left in its wake a trail of sorrow. Some lives have been lost and the destruction of property has been massive, and that only goes to harm an economy that itself is still so fragile.

Cameroon belongs to all of us. And we all have a responsibility to ensure that we make it a peaceful home, where economic and social justice reigns.

To this end, we call on our national leaders, especially the Head of State and his government to engage the nation in a process of dialogue, so the grievances and disaffections of the youth can be redressed and that together we can find a way forward.

The Cameroonian officers whose duty it is to restore law and order should do so with a measure of restraint and high regard for human life.

And, on the rampaging youth, we appeal to them not to lose faith. God assures us, in his Word, that “I know the plans I have for you, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jer. 29:11). Youth, please do not resort to despair, but have confidence that we have a God who cares and has not abandoned us because “his mercies are new every morning”. So everyday brings us closer to God’s plan of salvation for us and our country.

As Christians, we have a huge stake in this country. Our ministry of intercession behooves us to pray for our country, its peoples and its leaders, especially in times like this.

Therefore, as President of the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), I am calling on all congregations of the members of the AACC, to embark on prayers from today onward. On Sunday, March 2, special time should be provided during the worship services for free prayer.  We should pray that God should forgive us from sin and pride, and give us the humility of spirit for reconciliation. Prayers should be made to God to grant us peace, to lead our nation to the paths that leads to life and for the whole political elite of Cameroon and for our national leaders. Let us pray that God himself in his grace and love should take control of our nation so that it should not degenerate into uncontrollable chaos.

Rt. Rev. Dr. Nyansako-ni-NKU
MODERATOR, PCC and
PRESIDENT, AACC