As the new school year in Cameroon approaches on Monday, September 9th, 2024, the Apostolic Nuncio for Cameroon, Archbishop José Avelino Bettencourt, has issued a strong call for the protection of children’s right to education, especially amidst the ongoing Anglophone crisis. In his appeal, the Archbishop emphasized that violence is never justified and urged for peace to prevail.

Violence is Never Justified

Archbishop Bettencourt, the representative of the Holy Father in Cameroon, delivered a powerful message: “Violence comes from evil. Peace, and only peace, comes from God. We must remember that violence is not justified – not on Sundays, not on Mondays, or any other day of the week.” His statement comes at a critical time as unrest continues in the English-speaking regions of Cameroon, which has been ongoing since 2016.

Secessionist Threats

In a worrying development, secessionists recently released a video on September 2nd, threatening to disrupt the back-to-school season in the Anglophone regions of the country. The video specifically warned that anyone seen leaving their homes during the school reopening week would face violent repercussions. Despite significant efforts by the Cameroonian government to stabilize the region, these threats persist, with secessionists continuing their efforts to destabilize the country.

Children Suffer the Most

Archbishop Bettencourt underscored that children are the most affected by the violence. “Children suffer the most when there is violence. They are the most vulnerable, the most impressionable, and yet, they are the ones who bear the brunt of the conflicts that they did not create.” This appeal highlights the urgent need to protect the rights of children, particularly their right to education, as they are the future of society.

The Importance of Education

Education remains the cornerstone of societal development, and children, as the future leaders, must be given the opportunity to learn. The Archbishop’s statement raises a poignant question: How can a society hope to build a better future if it denies its children the right to be educated? The actions of the secessionists, who aim to prevent children from attending school, undermine the very foundation of the future they claim to fight for.

The Vatican’s Position

The Vatican recognizes that children are the innocent victims of a conflict they did not choose. In line with this, the Pope has emphasized that the mission of schools and teachers is to cultivate an understanding of truth, goodness, and beauty. Archbishop Bettencourt reiterated this, stating that “this mission is especially critical in times of conflict, where the temptation might be to give in to despair and hopelessness. But we must resist that temptation and continue to provide our children with the tools they need to build a better future.”

As the new school year begins, it is crucial to remember that children are not part of this nearly 8-year-old conflict. They deserve to do what every child their age should be doing – going to school. Protecting their right to education is not just a moral obligation, but a necessary step toward building a better future for Cameroon.

By Peter TAMBE