SNWOT women in Bamenda
The South West North West Women's Task Force has expressed concern over its exclusion from the official list of groups scheduled to be granted an audience with Pope Leo XIV during his visit to Bamenda.
The women’s group says the absence of their voices at such a critical moment reflects a broader pattern of silencing women, particularly in efforts aimed at resolving the Anglophone crisis. According to the task force, women who have played key roles in peacebuilding continue to be overlooked in major national and international engagements.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Eileen Akwo recalled that there was little international attention on the crisis until the task force began speaking out. She said the group was among the first to raise alarm, helping to bring global awareness to the situation in the Northwest and Southwest regions.
Eileen Akwo, North West Coordinator
Their early advocacy efforts eventually led to their participation in the Major National Dialogue, where they represented the interests and perspectives of women. However, she noted that their inclusion was not initially guaranteed, as they had to push to be admitted into key commissions after being left out at the start.
Despite these challenges, the Coordinator of Task Force, Clotilda Andiensa Waah, the task force contributed significantly to discussions, including those on Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR). Over time, the group transitioned from just raising concerns to engaging in sustained advocacy, working alongside other women-led initiatives such as the National Peace Movement.
Andiensa Clotilda Waah, General Coordinator of SNWOT
In a press conference held at the Bamenda Ayaba Hotel on April 15, 2026, the group reaffirmed its commitment to nonviolence, peaceful conflict resolution, and inclusive dialogue. It also pledged to continue strengthening women’s participation in decision-making processes, building bridges across divided communities, and collaborating with partners to promote lasting peace.
The task force stressed that the Pope’s visit should go beyond symbolism and serve as a turning point toward concrete action in addressing the crisis. It maintained that sustainable peace in Cameroon can not be achieved without the full and meaningful participation of women.
"We strongly believe that the Pope can not come here and go without one or two people converted.
"Our hope and faith relies on his strong moral person and we hope that the people will listen to him." The Executive of SNWOT told the Press.
Over the years, the South West North West Women’s Task Force has recorded notable successes. From amplifying the voices of affected communities at a time of silence to securing a place at the Major National Dialogue, the group has established itself as a key actor in peace advocacy. Its evolution into a strong network of women across Cameroon and its collaboration with other civil society organizations have further strengthened its impact.
The task force says just the coming of the Pope has led to some progress. "Non state armed groups called for a temporal ceasefire and some people who have not been here over the last 10 years will be coming to Bamenda."
"SNWOT has maintained neutrality and has worked with the Non state armed groups to bring before. During the peak of the school boycott, they met with the leaders in the United States to discuss the possible removal of the ban on school. This shifted the position of separatist leaders from No school to we can not guarantee your security if you send your children to school."
Quizzed on what they will tell the Pope if they were to meet with him, the task force said they will tell the Pope to every voice. Not to listen to voices that have been selected for him. To listen to the voices of the people living the crisis, thr minority and the marginalized. To listen to the IDPs.
As to why they think the Pope's voice matter, the women said he is not just a moral authority but the catholic church has its place in Cameroon and a declaration from the Pope will be taken more seriously.
As to the conditions to end the currently armed conflict in the North West and South West Regions that have lasted 10 years, they women think that the government should speak to the leaders of the separatists. This by establishing who the actors are, what is their influence on the ground. Then a genuine peace talk should be organised so long-lasting peace will be the order of the day
The task force says it remains ready to engage, contribute, and lead, insisting that any meaningful path to peace must include women at every level. Its message remains clear: lasting solutions are only possible when women are fully involved.
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