Five monks kidnapped and the Catholic Church of Nchang in Mamfe set on fire
Five monks kidnapped and the Catholic Church of Nchang in Mamfe set on fire
It is always the disaster in the English-speaking part of Cameroon. Every day, people helplessly witness the harmful effects of the conflict between separatists and loyalist forces in Yaoundé. Some are demanding independence for their region (NOSO), others are loyal to a united Cameroon.
In recent times, the Ambaboys have obviously changed their modus operandi and no longer distinguish between civilian and military targets. This time, it is the religious who pay the heavy price for their fury.
Indeed, according to the information relayed by the whistleblower Nzui Manto, the parish of Saint Mary of the Catholic Church of Nchang in Mamfe burned down and 5 people kidnapped. “Two sisters, a reverend and two priests were abducted by those suspected of being Ambazonians after the fire at Nchang Catholic Parish located in Mamfe,” he said.
For the moment, the Catholic Church or the competent authorities have not confirmed the information.
Still, a year ago, a priest kidnapped by separatist fighters. The vicar general of the diocese of Mamfe, in southwestern Cameroon, was kidnapped on August 28, 2021 by separatist fighters. This kidnapping comes only three months after that of another priest from the same diocese, in a region in the midst of conflict.
Last April, 33 seminarians in training to become priests were kidnapped in the department of Manyu, in the south-west of Cameroon. They were released the next day. This kidnapping comes on top of many others targeting members of the Catholic Church in the English-speaking part of Cameroon, which has been in crisis since 2016.
