Cameroon Separatists Announce Three-Day Truce for Pope's Visit

 The Unity Alliance, a coalition of separatists in the English-speaking regions of northern Cameroon, has announced a three-day truce to coincide with the visit of Pope Leo XIV to the country. The statement was published on social media by alliance spokesperson Lucas Atsu.

"In recognition of the profound spiritual importance of the [pontiff's] visit and in the interest of protecting civilian lives and ensuring dignified participation, a coordinated decision has been made to introduce a temporary humanitarian and security regime. Accordingly, a three-day safe passage regime will be in effect in Ambazonia from April 15 to 17," the statement read.

During this period, separatists were instructed to take necessary measures to ensure a secure environment in the English-speaking regions for the free movement of the pope, his entourage, pilgrims, as well as civilians and dignitaries. Atsu noted that the alliance's decision is intended to allow the country's population to participate in the first visit of the pontiff without fear.

"The Unity Alliance emphasizes that the visit of the Holy Father is pastoral and spiritual in nature. It should not be seen ... as an endorsement of any political authority, policy, or process. Therefore, we call on the authorities in Yaoundé and all external actors to act responsibly and refrain from any attempts to use this visit as ... a confirmation of any political stance," the spokesperson added.

Since the start of the conflict in 2016, more than 6,000 people have died in Cameroon and nearly one million have become refugees. Some residents of the country's two English-speaking regions complain of discrimination by the French-speaking majority.

On October 1, 2017, Ayuk Tabe proclaimed the independence of the state of Ambazonia, a self-proclaimed state comprising the two English-speaking regions of Cameroon. In 2018, he was arrested in Nigeria, then extradited to Cameroon along with 46 other separatists, and in 2020 sentenced to life imprisonment on charges of terrorism and extremism.

At the end of March 2026, Cameroon's Supreme Court overturned the sentence of Sisiku Ayuk Tabe and ten of his associates, who had been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Court of Appeal of the Central Region for involvement in the Ambazonia Defence Forces (ADF) separatist movement. Their case was sent for review.