“Walking Alongside The Faithful”: Archbishop of Canterbury Begins Cameroon Pastoral Visit

The Most Reverend Dame Sarah Mullally, the 106th Archbishop of Canterbury, arrived at the Yaoundé-Nsimalen International Airport on Friday, July 31, 2026 at 4.30pm local time. Marking the start of a historic five-day pastoral visit to Cameroon. The visit is part of her inaugural tour of the African continent since being installed as head of the Church of England and the ceremonial leader of the worldwide Anglican Communion.

Official Welcome

Having completed the first leg of her tour in Cape Coast, Ghana, Archbishop Mullally was greeted on the tarmac in Yaoundé by senior government officials, including the Minister of Territorial Administration, MINAT, Paul Atanga Nji. She was received by the Anglican Bishop of Cameroon, the Right Reverend Dibo Thomas-Babyngton Elango, alongside local clergy and members of the Mothers’ Union.

To Pray, Worship With Anglican Church

Speaking to reporters upon her arrival, Archbishop Mullally shared her enthusiasm for the visit:

"Thank you so much for your welcome. It's a... real privilege for me to be here in Cameroon. This is my first visit to Africa as the Archbishop of Canterbury, and I've been to Ghana, and now I'm here in Cameroon. And I'm here for a pastoral visit to pray and to worship with the Anglican Church and to walk alongside them and to encourage them in their ministry here."

Packed Five-Day Itinerary

Archbishop Mullally’s itinerary encompasses key engagements across Yaoundé, Douala, Buea, and Limbe. All aimed at encouraging local congregations, strengthening ecumenical ties, and engaging with state leaders. On Friday, July 31 (Yaoundé) following her arrival at 4:30 pm, the Archbishop attended a welcome dinner hosted at the residence of the British High Commissioner to Cameroon. Before departing for her hotel.

South West Lap

On Saturday, August 1, 2026, she will travel to Buea and Limbe in the South West Region. Where the Archbishop is scheduled to visit the BIAKA Foundation in Buea before proceeding to Limbe for lunch with local authorities and an audience with regional Church leaders. She will return to Douala in the evening.

Engagements In Douala

On Sunday, August 2, 2026 (Douala), the Archbishop will preach at a Holy Communion worship service on the esplanade of the Archdiocese (Bishopscourt). Her afternoon includes visits to St. Michael Cathedral and Emmanuel Omnisports Parish, followed by a cultural evening in Douala.

More Engagements In Yaounde

On Monday, August 3, 2026 (Yaoundé), the Archbishop will return to Cameroonian capital, Yaounde. Archbishop Mullally will undertake high-level government audiences with the Ministry of External Relations, the Ministry of Territorial Administration, the Ministry of Women's Empowerment and the Family, and the Ministry of Social Affairs. She will also visit Ste Thérèse in Yeug'assi and hold ecumenical discussions with clergy of various denominations.

Departure

On Tuesday, August 4, 2026 (Yaoundé), the final day of her visit includes a meeting with clergy and a farewell Eucharist at Saint-Jean Church. Followed by an official government lunch hosted at the Hilton Hotel. Before her evening departure via Air France, the Archbishop is slated for an audience a...