Kleda condemns post-election violence, calls for collective awareness.

In a statement released on November 1, which marked “All Saints” Day, the prelate denounced the recent wave of unrest and called for collective awareness in addressing the deep-seated crises threatening the unity and stability of the country.

Archbishop Kleda in the statement described the 2025 presidential election as a Kairos, moment offering citizens a unique opportunity to write a new page in the nation’s history. 

“The desire for change is a deep aspiration expressed by a very large majority of our compatriots,” he said, while regretting that this desire for change was met with contempt and, worse still, ignorance, fueling widespread anger and frustration.

Condemns violence, repression

The Archbishop in the statement condemned acts of violence, vandalism and looting that followed the announcement of election results. 

He cited the destruction of public infrastructure, commercial buildings, and residential areas in cities such as Douala, Garoua, Maroua, Bertoua and Dschang.

The incidents, he regretted resulted in loss of lives and significant property damage. “These acts are deplorable and reprehensible,” he declared.

The prelate went further to underline the responsibility of the state to ensure the safety of citizens and to protect their rights. 

“Democracy cannot tolerate gunfire, threats, arbitrary arrests, or intimidation of citizens who hold opposing views,” he said.

Archbishop Kleda reminded those in power that a government is only legitimate if it governs for the people, with the duty to love them and to respond to their legitimate and profound aspirations.

Deep roots of a national disorder

According to the Archbishop, beyond the immediate crisis, one of the main causes of the instability and prevailing discontent in the country is poor governance and a deep-rooted culture of inequality. 

“We must have the courage to look at the deep origins of this malaise,” he urged.

Archbishop Kleda in the statement outlined the dimensions of the crisis citing unemployment rate estimated at 74%, poverty rate of 37.7% in 2024, and the mass emigration of over six million citizens seeking better opportunities abroad. 

He also pointed to recurrent energy shortages, social injustices, and the concentration of wealth in the hands of a privileged few. 

“This situation of misery and suffering is the result of an unequal distribution of the country's wealth and the selfish use of the common good,” he lamented.

Calls for peace, national responsibility

Archbishop Kleda in concluding, called for calm and reconciliation, urging all Cameroonians to commit themselves to the preservation of peace and stability. 

“We must awaken our collective consciousness to confront the crises undermining our nation with courage, truth and faith,” he said insisting “Peace is not imposed by force, but born of justice, dialogue, and love”.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3614 of Monday November 03, 2025