Pastor Killed by Cameroonian Military Amid Anglophone Crisis!

Pastor Killed by Cameroonian Military Amid Anglophone Crisis!

Reported By Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

A pastor from the Cameroon Baptist Convention (CBC) has been shot dead by Cameroonian military forces in the Mfumte area of Cameroon’s Northwest Region, local sources tell Sele Media Africa.The incident occurred amid the escalating Anglophone conflict between separatist groups and government troops. [1]

What Happened
According to eyewitnesses, the pastor—identified as Keloh Elijah—returned home on 7 April 2019 after a missions trip and went to his church around 8:30 a.m. When military forces entered the area, he was shot and killed on the spot. Several homes were also reported to have been burned. [1]

Elijah had served at Berean Baptist Church in Mfumte and was affiliated with the CBC Theological Seminary in Ndu. His death has been described by church officials as part of a larger pattern of civilian casualties in the Anglophone regions. [1]

Why It Matters

• The killing highlights the vulnerability of clergy and civilians amidst the long‑running Anglophone crisis, which began as protests in 2016 and has since escalated into armed conflict. [1]
• It adds to mounting concerns from human rights organisations about military operations in the English‑speaking Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon, where allegations of extrajudicial killings and civilian targeting are common.
• The death of a pastor under these circumstances amplifies tensions between religious groups and the state, and could hinder peace‑building efforts in the region.

What to Watch

• Whether the Cameroonian government will launch an independent investigation into the incident and publicly address the pastor’s killing.
• How the church and civil society will respond: Will they demand accountability, compensation for the family, or greater protection for clergy in conflict‑zones?
• The broader impact on the Anglophone communities: Will this event prompt increased displacement, international pressure, or a shift in peace‑talks dynamics?

Citations:

1. BaretaNews: www.bareta.news/pastor-executed-by-bir-soldiers-in-ndu-sparks-outrage/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Christian Post: www.christianpost.com/news/cameroon-pastor-killed-by-military-as-violence-against-civilians-continues-in-anglophone-crisis.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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