Cameroon ceasefire: Anglophone separatists pause fighting for Pope Leo XIV visit

English-speaking separatists in Cameroon said fighting will stop for three days. The pause is meant to allow safe movement during Pope Leo XIV’s visit on Wednesday. The Unity Alliance, which brings together several separatist groups, announced the decision late Monday. The group said the aim is safer travel for civilians, pilgrims and dignitaries.

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Cameroonian authorities did not immediately reply to an Associated Press request for comment. Government spokesperson René Sadi said last week that all necessary arrangements have been made. Pope Leo began a four-country Africa visit this week in Algeria. Pope Leo is due to reach Cameroon’s capital, Yaoundé, during the trip.

Pope Leo XIV visit in Cameroon and separatist pause

The Unity Alliance said the pause reflects the "profound spiritual importance\" of the visit. The statement said it is intended to allow people to travel without fear. Unity Alliance spokesperson Lucas Asu said the halt shows \"a deliberate commitment to responsibility, restraint, and respect for human dignity, even in the context of ongoing conflict.\"

Lucas Asu also said the visit should not be read as backing any political side. He said the pope’s trip should remain spiritual. Pope Leo will lead a peace meeting on Thursday in Bamenda. Bamenda is seen as the centre of clashes between separatists and government forces.

Cameroon separatist conflict in western regions

Cameroon’s western regions have faced sustained violence since 2017. English-speaking separatists launched a rebellion that year. The stated goal was to split from the French-speaking majority. Separatists have sought an independent state in the mainly English-speaking areas.

The International Crisis Group says the conflict has killed more than 6,000 people. It also says over 600,000 people have been displaced. Deadly attacks by separatists have declined in recent years. Still, there is no clear sign that the conflict is nearing an end.

Cameroon separatist conflict peace talks and colonial roots

Peace talks involving international mediators have stalled. Both sides accuse the other of acting in bad faith. The dispute also links to Cameroon’s colonial past. After World War I, Cameroon was divided between France and Britain, shaping later political tensions.

In 1961, English-speaking regions joined French Cameroon in a U.N.-backed vote. Separatists say those regions later faced political and economic marginalisation. Against that background, the Unity Alliance said the three-day pause aims to reduce risk during the pope’s movements. Authorities have said plans are in place for the visit.

With inputs from PTI