The Archbishop of Canterbury has called for peace in Cameroon, urging leaders to pursue “genuine and inclusive dialogue” after a historic visit to the country.

Speaking at a farewell service in Yaoundé, Most Rev Sarah Mullally said Cameroonians “have suffered for far too long” and called for efforts to bring lasting peace.

“Peace requires genuine and inclusive dialogue – it needs to have everyone around the table. That requires courage, it requires strength, and it requires commitment at every level of society, but particularly those in authority,” she said.

“As Shepherd and Pastor, I urge you to follow in this way of Christ, who is the bringer of peace.”

Archbishop Sarah, who is the first Archbishop of Canterbury to visit Cameroon, said she had been “profoundly moved” by the work of the Anglican Church in the country, which has around 15,000 members.

“Where you have seen your people suffering, caught up in continued conflict, displaced and fearful, you have been faithful to Jesus’ call. Your people are hard-pressed, ministry is challenging, and communities are often hard to reach – and yet, the Anglican Church in Cameroon is growing! Praise God! Alleluia!”

The two-hour service in Yaoundé marked the end of her 10-day pastoral visit to Ghana and Cameroon. During the trip, she met Anglicans, faith leaders and government officials, and visited communities including those in the South West Region.

Preaching on the story of Jesus walking on water, she encouraged worshippers to remain faithful, saying: “Put your faith in Jesus. Fix your eyes upon him – for it is he who commands the winds and the waves.”