While some may interpret Atanga Nji, minister of territorial administration's intention to close churches lacking formal authorization from the head of state as a noble effort to weed out fraudulent pastors and fake churches, we must examine the true motivations behind this decision.
Let us be clear: the CPDM regime of President Paul Biya has consistently prioritized its own interests over those of the Cameroonian people.
This move,
far from being beneficial, raises serious concerns about its underlying
objectives. It threatens not only the freedom of worship but also freedom of
expression, cornerstones of any democratic society. Under the guise of
regulation, such actions risk silencing voices and imposing restrictions on how
people choose to serve God.
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| Min Atanga Nji - Cameroon's Minister of territorial administration |
The Real Problem is Leadership, Not Churches
Cameroon’s
challenges do not stem from the proliferation of churches but from decades of
poor and visionless leadership. Closing places of worship cannot solve the
nation's pressing issues.
- Increasing Taxes: The closure of churches will
not alleviate the rising tax burden on ordinary Cameroonians.
- Eradicating Poverty: Poverty has entrenched itself
in Cameroon under Biya’s leadership, and shutting down churches will not
lift families out of economic despair.
- Job Creation: Unemployment remains rampant,
particularly among young graduates. Closing churches will not generate the
opportunities they desperately need.
The Path Forward: Peaceful Political Transition
If Cameroon
is to rise above its current struggles, what it urgently needs is a peaceful
political transition. It is only through visionary and inclusive leadership
that the country can address its systemic problems. Without this change,
measures like church closures will only serve as distractions from the real
issues plaguing the nation.
A Call for Objectivity and Vigilance
We must
remain wise and objective, refusing to let the regime manipulate us with
decisions that serve their agenda rather than the people. The solution to
Cameroon’s problems lies not in suppressing freedom of worship but in fostering
a leadership that prioritizes the needs and aspirations of its citizens.
Cameroon
deserves better—a future where all voices are heard, and every citizen has the
opportunity to thrive. Let us focus on the real change that will lead us there.
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