Twenty-five inmates have regained their freedom from the Buea Central Prison after the Justice and Peace Commission of the Catholic Diocese of Buea settled court-imposed fines that had kept them incarcerated long after completing their prison sentences.
The initiative, led by the Commission under the coordination of Joyce Mbong, exposed a troubling reality within Cameroon’s justice system, where some convicts remain in prison simply because they cannot afford relatively small fines imposed by the courts.
Speaking during the release ceremony presided over by the Bishop of Buea, Bishop Michael Bibi, Mbong explained that the Commission discovered the cases during its regular prison visits.
“Many inmates had already served their custodial sentences but remained behind bars because they could not pay fines ranging from FCFA 25,000 to FCFA 100,000,” she said. “Some had stayed in prison for months and even years beyond their sentences simply because they lacked the money.”
She disclosed that the Commission worked with courts in Buea, Limbe, Muyuka and Mundemba to verify the cases, pay the outstanding fines and complete the legal processes required for the inmates’ release. Earlier this year, the Commission secured the release of another 29 inmates through a similar intervention.
Bishop Bibi acknowledged the support of philanthropist Pius Ambe, a friend whom he credited with consistently mobilising resources whenever he reached out that inmates required assistance.
Beyond facilitating releases, Joyce Mbong said the Commission provides counselling, psychosocial support and mediation to help former inmates reintegrate into society.
“We want society to accept these people. Serving a prison sentence should not become a lifelong punishment. They deserve forgiveness, opportunities and support to rebuild their lives,” she said.
She revealed that some families initially rejected relatives upon their release, compelling the Commission to intervene and reconcile families before reunification. The Commission is also seeking funding to provide legal assistance for inmates whose cases remain unresolved because they cannot afford legal representation.
Addressing the beneficiaries, Bishop Michael Bibi stressed that their freedom was made possible through contributions from Christians, priests, religious congregations and friends of the Diocese in Cameroon and abroad.
“People say the Bishop is freeing prisoners, but it is not the Bishop alone,” he said. “Many people contributed according to their means. Some gave FCFA 5,000, others FCFA 10,000 or FCFA 20,000. Even the Managing Director of Ecobank donated FCFA 150,000.”
He urged the freed inmates to seize the opportunity to rebuild their lives and avoid returning to crime.
“If you return to prison, it means we have wasted our time and resources,” the Bishop said. “Some of you can return to school, while others can continue learning trades such as carpentry or ICT. We will accompany you where we can.”
Among those released was an inmate who successfully obtained his GCE Ordinary Level certificate while serving a three-year prison sentence.
Bishop Bibi also commended prison authorities for their cooperation, describing their collaboration with the Diocese as essential in giving inmates a genuine second chance.
Mbong concluded by encouraging the former prisoners to become productive members of society.
“They are ambassadors of their own lives,” she said. “Their conduct will determine whether society accepts others in similar situations. We will continue to walk with them as they rebuild their futures.”
