Change at the Catholic, Presbyterian Church
Will Kleda, Asana Fit into Tumi, Ni Nku’s Big Shoes?


It is a remarkable coincidence. Two big religious figures who have bestrode the spiritual and social landscape of Cameroon for more than two decades, by some twist of fate, officially bowed out of their functions this January 2010.

Christian Cardinal Tumi officially handed over the mantle of the Douala Arch-Diocese to Monsignor Samuel Kleda on Saturday, January 9 while the now Very Reverend Nyansako Ni Nku gave over the battle of command as Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Cameroon to Rt. Rev. Dr. Festus Asana last Friday, January 15 at the Synod Office in Buea.

Both events are significant in the religious sense but extend far deep into the nation’s social and political life. For one thing, the charismatic nature of both Christian Cardinal Tumi and the Very Reverend Nyansako stood out. Listening to them preach the word of God was a delight in depth and rendition.

However, where both stood out and especially Christian Cardinal Tumi, was the open stance for democracy, transparency and human rights. It is true that while Cardinal Tumi was more forthcoming with his criticisms of the Yaounde regime, Reverend Nyansako was more reserved. This made the Presbyterian Church look unconcerned with the political and social life of the country.

It is not a secret that Cardinal Tumi was not a friend to the Yaounde regime as he openly denounced election rigging, marginalisation of Anglophones, tribalism and corruption. This sent the prelate on a head-on collision with many apologists of the Biya regime. To the Anglophones, Cardinal Tumi’s retirement as Arch-Bishop is a big loss and one that is going to make them lose an authoritative voice on the national and international scene.

Enter Kleda, Asana.

The big question naturally arises. Will Monsignor Kleda and Rt. Rev Asana fit well into the big empty shoes left behind by cardinal Tumi and Rev. Nyansako? All those The SUN approached on the matter are positive even though they say no two individuals can be the same.

For one thing, there is unanimity on the fact that the new figures are deeply spiritual with a high sense of humility and social justice. In his farewell speech and as if to assure his followers, Cardinal Tumi said Monsignor Kleda would even be tougher than him.

The same assurance was given in Buea last Friday as the new team of the PCC promised to shun tribalism and promote merit and transparency.What is certain is that, for the Douala Arch-diocese, the Catholic and Presbyterian Church in Cameroon, a new era has begun and only time would tell whether truly nature abhors a vacuum.


By Norbert Wasso Binde, Joseph Roland Djotie and Mbenju Mafany