Cameroon update 7th November 2018
07 November 2018
Cameroon update at 7 November 2018
The problem between separatists and the government in Cameroon has been ongoing for some time but it escalated in 2016 after Anglophone lawyers and teachers went on strike due to difficult working conditions. Religious leaders, especially Rev Fonki Samuel Forba – the Moderator of the Presbyterian Church Cameroon persistently encouraged dialogue between government leaders and separationists but the government leaders never acknowledge the problem or address the situation.
More than two years on, the situation has worsened with lots of kidnaping, looting and arson taking place, mostly by frustrated youths. The Presbyterian Church of Cameroon has particularly requested for prayers and solidarity at this difficult time.
The President of Cameroon since 1982, Paul Biya was sworn in for another term on 6 November 2018 at the age of 85. He is yet to acknowledge the secessionists demand for dialogue or address marginalisation of Anglophone Cameroonians based in Southwest and Northwest regions – (two out of ten regions). Cameroon is a bi-lingual country with 80% French speaking and 20% English speaking. All official systems and processes only operate in French.
Prayer
Lord we pray for peace and patience across Cameroon. We pray for safety and security in homes, schools, churches and institutions following attacks on leaders of churches. We particularly remember the Presbyterian Church of Cameroon as the dominant denomination in Anglophone Cameroon and a partner church of the Methodist Church in Britain. We thank you for the courage and faith of Rev Fonki Forba as he mediates between the government and secessionists to uphold peace and order in the region.
We thank God for the release of the kidnapped students at 10pm on 6 November 2018. However both the Principal of the Presbyterian Secondary School and the House Mother (of the boarding school) were still help by abductors as at 09.45 hours on 7 November 2018, we therefore pray for urgent release. May Prince of Prince calm this brewing storm and reassure those living in fear? In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen
Psalm 68: 19 -20
19 Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears us up; God is our salvation. 20 Our God is a God of salvation, and to God, the Lord, belong deliverances from death.
Dr Bunmi Olayisade