Cameroonians woke up Saturday April 3rd ,2021 with consternation following the death of Cardinal Wyghan Tumi, emeritus Archbishop of Douala.
The son of Kikaikelaki (K4) in Nso Bui Division of the North West Region according to the local Archbishop Samuel Kleda died on Saturday April 3, being Holy Saturday (the last saturday before Easter Sunday.) Vatican News however indicates he died on April 2, 2021 which was Good Friday.
Reacting to his death Pope Francis writes to Archbishop Kleda " “On learning with sorrow of the death of our brother Cardinal Christian Tumi, I wish to express my condolences and my union in prayer with the College of Cardinals, the family and friends of the deceased, as well as with all those who mourn him,” wrote the Pope."
Reports from his place and diocese of birth; Kumbo Diocese presents an atmosphere of sadness and mourning. The people of his Kikaikelki community, neighbouring communinities and the palace of Nso have expreased uncommon love for a man who defended what they cherish most; their Religion and Culture.
Captured recently by armed separatists in the North West region of Cameroon on his way to his native Nso land, he is seen in a video telling his abductors “I will preach what is the truth with pastoral conviction and Biblical conviction.” This according to his admirers made him the Religious and Social icon they so admire.
Eversince the death was announced of Cameroon's first Cardinal created in 1988 by Pope St John Paul II, Cameroonians from all works of life have been taking to the social media in reaction with mixed feelings.
"You lived your last days struggling to make mankind live true fraternity. RIP Christian Cardinal Tumi! What a day to die! Dying with, and in Christ. “Shufai Kintam” was not a titled given at random. Today we all look into the cross of Christ while you live with him! Pope St John Paul II died on April 2, 2005, some 16 years ago. You died at 01:24 a.m. of April 3. What a coincidence!" Rev Fr Dufe Joseph a Catholic Priest who shares same village with the late cardinal writes.
Human Rights lawyer and Director of @CHRDA,Agbor Nkongho qualified Cardinal's demise as a great loss."Cardinal Tumi was the first and only cameroonian Cardinal.A staunch advocate for a just society,a defender of the rights of the oppressed, suppressed and marginalized.His death is a great loss".
Senior associate and regional director of central and West Africa at Washington based National Democratic Institute, Dr Christopher Fomunyoh noted that he will be missed dearly."Rest in peace Cardinal,our Cardinal, the people's Cardinal.He cared for the common man and woman, spoke his mind with utmost candor and made us feel we had an untouchable pillar of peace, justice, and fairness.We will miss him dearly.Fare thee well Cardinal"
In you, Your Eminence Christian Cardinal Tumi, I had a father, a mentor, a spiritual guide and a co-crusader for social justice, peace and democracy in our country. I miss you already, but I know you're going to a good place. You lived an inspiring life, fought a good fight, and won the race. Your spirit, work and example live on. REST IN PEACE, Your Eminence. Simon Munzu former UN Assistant Secretary wrote.
To Honourable Nourane Fotsing, PCRN member of parliament for Wouri East,late Cardinal Tumi has has engraved his name in gold letters in cameroon's history."The death of Cardinal Tumi occurred when Cameroon needed him most.He has engraved his name in gold letters in our country's history.May his soul rest in peace.My condolences to the whole Christian community"
Meanwhile vocal "Anglophone" activist Abdulkarim Ali regrets that the Cardinal was lured into an embarrassing career ending while asking God to open the chests of other religious leaders to stand for justice at all times."My eloquent Father Tumi.From God we came and to him is our return.Munzo,Balla and Ellie Smith lured Cardinal into an embarrassing career ending.I met with Cardinal four times in 2018 explaining to him,he was being used by selfish individuals.May God open the chests of other religious leaders to identify truth and stand by it.Stand for justice at all costs"
According to Pope Francis Cardinal Tumi “left an unforgettable mark on the Church and on the social and political life” of Cameroon.
The late Cardinal Tumi served from 1979 as the Bishop of Yagoua, then as the Archbishop of Garoua, and finally as the Archbishop of Douala until his retirement in 2009.
Pope Francis has described the late Cardinal as a courageous defender of democracy and the promotion of human rights.”
He also praised Cardinal Tumi’s desire to promote peace and reconciliation “in his old age.”
“He was a faithful collaborator of the Popes, assuming various offices in the Roman Curia,... May the Lord welcome His servant into His peace and joy!” The Pope writes