Camaroon – Dominican Month for Peace

For the past eight years, the Order has dedicated the Month of Peace to a country affected by violent conflict and human rights violations, drawing the attention of the Dominican family to the challenges faced by our sisters and brothers serving there. This year, the Month of Peace will focus on Cameroon,

The people of Cameroon have endured prolonged violent conflict and widespread human rights violations, leading to deep tensions within the country.

Cameroon is a legacy that dates back to the division between British and French colonial powers which created and continues to  create the political dominance of the French Cameroon majority over the English minority  a continuous tension and division resulting in economic instability,  marginalization, artistic and cultural differences between the language groups.

The people of Cameroon face overlapping crises especially in the English zone: displacement of families from their homes, increasing poverty and hunger, and on-going violence by paramilitary groups.  There is really no functioning government in the English section of this country.  It is the women and children who suffer the most.

Cameroon is home to members of all the branches of the Dominican family and along with the people of Cameroon our Dominican brothers and sisters face struggles in a country very divided. Our Dominican nuns and members of the Dominican lady live within the volatile separate region; we have members of the Dominican family serving on both sides of the separation.

In the heart of Cameroon, a Dominican monastic community in  Bambui has been quietly living its vocation, devoted to prayer, work, and service. But the Anglophone crisis, now in its ninth year, has brought unprecedented challenges to their doorstep. As internally displaced persons (IDPs) seek refuge, the community has opened its doors, welcoming those in need.

It began with a trickle, then a flood, of families fleeing violence and insecurity. The community, guided by their faith and compassion, responded with generosity. “We couldn’t turn them away,” says Sister Dominica, a member of the community. “They were our brothers and sisters in need.”

We’ve learned so much from our guests. Their resilience, courage, and hope in the face of adversity are an inspiration to us all.

The Anglophone crisis may have disrupted the community’s way of life, but it has also revealed the power of compassion which was a big mark in the life of our Father Dominic, and solidarity. As the community continues to welcome and support IDPs, they remind us that, even in the darkest times, there is always life and hope. We are counting ourselves privileged to have had the opportunity of sharing in the saving mission of Christ following the footsteps of St. Dominic who called us to follow the signs of the times.