Cameroon: Vatican’s Diplomatic Voice in Cameroon Advocates for Safe School Reopening in War-torn Regions

By Boris Esono Nwenfor

BUEA, Cameroon – Mgr Jose Avelino Bettencourt, the Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea, has issued a heartfelt appeal for peace in the conflict-stricken North West and South West Regions of the country.

Speaking recently in Yaounde, the Vatican envoy emphasized the urgent need for a peaceful environment that would allow pupils and students to safely resume their education for the 2024/25 academic year across the national triangle.

Mgr. Bettencourt, who has been a vocal advocate for peace and reconciliation since his appointment as Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon, highlighted the devastating impact of the ongoing conflicts on the education of thousands of children in these regions. He expressed deep concern over the continued disruption of academic activities, which he described as a severe threat to the future of the younger generation.

“Violence is never justified. Violence comes from evil. Peace, and only peace, comes from God. Violence is not justified, not on Sunday, not on Monday, not on any day of the week. This September let's not stop our children from going to school. Let the children go free. Let the children build the future,” Mgr Jose Avelino Bettencourt, the Apostolic Nuncio to Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea said.

According to UNESCO, more than 250 million children in the world are unable to go to school due to conflict and violence. According to the World Bank, more than 17,500 children in Cameroon cannot attend school, mainly in the North West, South West and Far North regions. Millions of children's futures are destroyed.

The Nuncio's appeal comes at a critical time, as many schools in the North West and South West regions remain closed due to ongoing violence between separatist groups and government forces. In the Far-North region, the threat of Boko Haram insurgencies continues to destabilize communities, further hindering access to education. Mgr. Bettencourt called on all parties involved in the conflicts to prioritize the welfare of the children, urging them to engage in dialogue and reconciliation efforts.

Mgr Jose Avelino Bettencourt added: “I add my voice to that of countless Cameroonians from all walks of life, from North to South, East to West, not forgetting the voices of the Catholic Bishops of Cameroon who are working tirelessly to build the future. Let's recall Nelson Mandela's words who said, "The education of all our children must be one of our top priorities." We all know that education, more than anything else, improves our chances of building better lives." Pope Francis reminds us that "the mission of schools and teachers is to develop an understanding of all that is true, good and beautiful."

“Dear friends Violence is never justified. Only peace is the way forward. In September, please let the children go to school and work together for peace.”

As the new academic year approaches, the Apostolic Nuncio's advocacy for peace and safe education is a powerful reminder of the urgent need to resolve the conflicts plaguing parts of Cameroon. His words echo the sentiments of many who believe that education should never be a casualty of war, but rather of hope for a brighter future.