Members of the South West, North West Women’s Task Force (SWNOT), a coalition of women-led organizations\ committed to peacebuilding, justice, and inclusive governance, have called on the Supreme Pontiff to listen to all sectors of Cameroonian society during his official visit to the country.
The appeal comes as the Pope’s visit, jointly invited by the President of the Republic and the Catholic Church, coincides with a decade-long crisis that has caused immense suffering, particularly among women and girls.
Speaking at a press conference in Bamenda on April 15, 2026, SWNOT members outlined their expectations and the potential impact of the visit, drawing on findings from a survey conducted among the population. They described the visit as a crucial opportunity to refocus both national and international attention on the urgent need for sustainable peace and inclusive dialogue.
The group highlighted the far-reaching consequences of the ongoing crisis, including severe humanitarian, social, and economic challenges. These include widespread displacement, disruption of education, persistent insecurity, prolonged “ghost town” observances, and increased exposure to gender-based violence, including sexual abuse. They also noted the heavy burden placed on women, who often shoulder the responsibility of caring for displaced families under extremely difficult conditions.
Despite these challenges, SWNOT reaffirmed that women are not merely victims of conflict but key actors in peacebuilding. According to the organization, women have played a vital role in facilitating local mediation between conflicting parties, particularly in the early stages of the crisis. They have also advocated for the resumption of schooling, supported education continuity, led humanitarian responses, assisted internally displaced persons, and consistently called for a ceasefire and inclusive dialogue.
The Task Force further observed that the Pope’s visit comes at a time of increasing global fragmentation, where competing geopolitical interests often determine which crises receive international attention. They expressed concern that the Anglophone Crisis has suffered from declining global engagement and limited political will.
In this context, SWNOT described the visit of Pope Leo XIV as a unique moral and spiritual opportunity to advance peace. The group urged the Pontiff to promote genuine dialogue that addresses the root causes of the conflict and to call on all parties, both state and non-state actors, to end hostilities and commit to meaningful peace talks.
They also called for stronger measures to ensure accountability and the protection of civilians, particularly women, children, and other vulnerable groups, as well as the reinforcement of mechanisms to prevent and respond to gender-based violence.
The women reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to non-violence and peaceful conflict resolution. They pledged to continue collaborating with national, regional, and international partners to achieve sustainable peace, build bridges across divided communities, and strengthen women’s participation in decision-making processes at all levels.
