Yaoundé:  As Cameroon approaches its presidential election scheduled for October 12, 2025, religious leaders, particularly within the Catholic Church, are increasingly urging for political change and reform. Archbishop Samuel Kleda of Douala has taken a prominent role by issuing a 16-page pastoral letter that critiques the current administration, highlighting issues such as widespread poverty, corruption, and the ongoing separatist conflict in the English-speaking regions. He emphasized that the government’s failure to address these challenges has eroded public trust in the electoral process, making elections under current conditions morally questionable.

The concerns of the Catholic Church echo broader public sentiment. Earlier this year, the National Episcopal Conference of Cameroon called on President Paul Biya to step aside, citing his advanced age and health as obstacles to effective leadership. Citizens increasingly feel that the current political system no longer meets their needs.

Tensions have risen following the disqualification of Maurice Kamto, a key opposition leader who finished second in the 2018 election, from running in the upcoming polls. This decision by the Constitutional Council has intensified skepticism about the credibility of the election.

In response to these developments, the government has engaged with the Catholic Church to promote peace and stability. In August 2025, the Minister of State, Secretary-General at the Presidency, met with the National Episcopal Conference to discuss strategies for ensuring a peaceful electoral period. The Church continues to advocate for a transparent and inclusive process that reflects the will of the people.

With the election date approaching, calls for political transition and reform are growing louder, marking a potentially pivotal moment in Cameroon’s political history. The outcome will likely shape the nation’s governance, democratic processes, and the role of religious institutions in political discourse.