In open letter ahead of Pope’s visit: Prof Dze-Ngwa urges Biya to free Anglophone crisis prisoners.

Your Excellency, Cameroon has endured years of profound suffering arising from the Anglophone crisis. Beyond political disagreements, the conflict has been marked by violence and brutality attributed to both state and non-state actors, resulting in tragic loss of life, destruction of property, and deep psychological trauma. Families remain divided, communities devastated, and trust between citizens and state institutions has been severely eroded.

Thousands of Anglophone Internally Displaced Persons, IDPs, continue to endure harsh realities across various regions of the country, living in precarious conditions and facing economic hardship, limited access to education and healthcare, and uncertain futures. 

Many others have sought refuge beyond our borders, particularly in neighboring Nigeria and in countries such as Ghana and elsewhere, where they confront the painful challenges of displacement, insecurity, and loss of livelihood. 

The crisis has also generated wider humanitarian emergencies, including disrupted schooling, food insecurity, and the weakening of local economies.

Meanwhile, many of our compatriots-including political detainees linked directly or indirectly to this crisis-remain in detention. Their continued incarceration, regardless of the legal and political complexities involved, has become a powerful symbol of unresolved grievances and unhealed wounds.

The Holy Father’s visit will draw the attention of the global community to Cameroon. More importantly, it will carry a message of mercy, forgiveness, and reconciliation- values that lie at the heart of religious teachings and African traditions of restorative justice. 

In this spirit, I humbly submit that this visit presents a historic and invaluable opportunity for a bold humanitarian gesture: the release, pardon, or judicial review of the cases of all political prisoners, particularly those associated with the Anglophone problem.

Such an act would not be perceived as weakness, but rather as courageous and visionary statesmanship. It would: demonstrate your commitment to national unity and reconciliation; reduce tensions and build confidence among affected populations; help roll back youth radicalization; encourage meaningful dialogue and non-violent engagement; reinforce Cameroon’s image as a nation guided by compassion, justice, and peace.

Your Excellency, history remembers leaders not only for the power they exercised, but also for the moments when they chose magnanimity over rigidity and reconciliation over division. 

A presidential clemency initiative timed to coincide with the Papal visit would send a powerful message that Cameroon is ready to turn a new page- one defined by inclusive peacebuilding, national healing, and sustainable statebuilding.

Such a gesture would not preclude justice or accountability; rather, it would open the door to restorative approaches that prioritize healing, reintegration, and the rebuilding of trust between the State and its citizens. It would also align with ongoing national and international calls for a peaceful resolution of the crisis.

I therefore, respectfully appeal to your conscience and to your legacy as Head of State: let the visit of Pope Leo XIV be remembered as the turning point at which Cameroon chose reconciliation over prolonged confrontation. Let it mark the moment when mercy helped unlock the path to sustainable peace.

Your Excellency, the nation watches with hope. The international community also has its eyes on Cameroon, waiting with high expectations. 

Above all, the suffering hearts of many Cameroonians await a sign that peace is not only desired but actively pursued.

Cameroon has long been celebrated as “Africa in miniature”, a country whose diversity has historically been a source of strength rather than division. 

At this critical juncture in our national history, the courage to embrace reconciliation could reaffirm this noble identity and inspire confidence among citizens and friends of Cameroon across the world. 

Future generations will remember not only the challenges our nation faced, but also the wisdom and leadership that guided it toward peace. The Papal visit therefore offers a rare opportunity to demonstrate to the world that Cameroon possesses both the moral courage and political will to heal its wounds and rebuild a more inclusive and peaceful national community.

May wisdom, compassion, and love of nation guide your decision. Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration.

Respectfully,

Professor Willibroad Dze-Ngwa

Historian/Senior Peace & Conflict Analyst

President/Director Heritage Higher (University) Institute of Peace and Development Studies, Yaoundé, Cameroon

March 5, 2026