Bamenda, Cameroon: A catechism to teach peace after ten years of violence

Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya of Bamenda is preparing a catechism of 100 questions and answers to teach peace to young people in Cameroon. Inspired by a message of peace from Pope Leo XIV, the archbishop intends to print and distribute the text widely with support from Aid to the Church in Need.

The project addresses a generation raised during a decade of violence in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon. Archbishop Nkea Fuanya stated that young people in the area have grown up surrounded by conflict. He noted that between 8,000 and 10,000 people have been killed during the crisis, though he believes the actual figure is likely higher. Additionally, between 800,000 and one million people have been displaced from their homes.

The ongoing conflict between separatist groups and the government has also impacted the Church, with separatist groups kidnapping priests and bishops. The archbishop noted that the war has created a generation deeply marked by conflict, as many children were unable to attend school for approximately five years.