A separatist alliance operating in Cameroon’s English-speaking regions has announced a temporary three-day “safe travel passage” to coincide with the visit of Pope Leo, who is currently touring several African countries.
The group said the arrangement would run from April 15 to April 17, allowing civilians, pilgrims, and visitors to move freely during the papal visit, particularly ahead of the Pope’s expected stop in the Anglophone city of Bamenda on April 16.
The announcement comes as the pontiff embarks on a 10-day African tour covering Algeria, Cameroon, Angola, and Equatorial Guinea, aimed at urging global leaders to address the continent’s social and economic challenges. Africa is home to more than a fifth of the world’s Catholic population.
The separatist alliance—comprising the Ambazonia Governing Council (AGovC), Ambazonian Prisoners of Conscience, and other movements—said its armed forces had been instructed to ensure a secure environment during the period.
In a statement, spokesperson Lucas Asu said the decision reflects “responsibility, restraint, and respect for human dignity,” describing the pause in hostilities as a humanitarian gesture to allow participation in the papal visit without fear.
The conflict between separatist militias and government forces has been ongoing since 2017 in Cameroon’s English-speaking western regions, leaving thousands dead and displacing many more. The separatists refer to the territory as “Ambazonia.”
The Cameroonian government in Yaoundé has not yet responded to the announcement, and officials could not be reached for comment.
While separatist groups have previously declared temporary ceasefires for humanitarian reasons, such agreements have often been inconsistently observed across different armed factions operating in the region.
Analysts say the latest declaration could improve civilian movement during the high-profile visit, though the fragile security situation remains a concern as the papal tour progresses.
