When there’s a new Sheriff in town..
I have never met Bishop Bibi. Neither am I catholic, but there is a saying I think about whenever I analyze a leader. Paraphrased, it goes something like “unless you judge a man’s character in times of crisis, there is a huge chance you will reach the wrong conclusion”. You can argue that Bibi’s mandate so far has been marred by significant crises, but it is in these crises that his leadership skills blossomed for all to see. Even to a non-catholic, the man’s abilities are tough to ignore. Bishop Michael Bibi serves as the shepherd of the Buea Diocese, a role he assumed after being ordained Auxiliary Bishop of Bamenda in March 2017. His journey to this position involved serving in various capacities within the Archdiocese of Bamenda, including assistant priest, chaplain, financial secretary, and chancellor. This extensive experience within the church hierarchy appears to have given him a deep understanding of leadership’s spiritual and administrative demands.
The Buea Diocese, where Bishop Bibi now leads, is located in a region facing significant socio-political challenges, most notably the ongoing Anglophone crisis. This crisis, coupled with the inherent complexities of managing a large and diverse religious community, has created a unique environment for Bishop Bibi to demonstrate his leadership acumen. His experiences, navigating both spiritual guidance and practical administrative responsibilities, offer valuable lessons that extend beyond the religious context and can inspire effective leadership in various fields. The way he blends these seemingly different aspects of leadership suggests that true effectiveness often lies in the ability to integrate diverse skill sets. Furthermore, the significant challenges he has faced, such as leading through conflict and managing internal opposition, provide a compelling backdrop for understanding the principles of resilience and decisive action under pressure.
Lesson 1: Leading with Presence and Accessibility
Bishop Michael Bibi has earned the moniker of the “Travelling Bishop,” a testament to his unwavering commitment to being physically present and actively engaged with all the parishes within the Buea Diocese. This dedication extends to even the most remote and crisis-stricken areas, underscoring his belief in the power of direct connection. By making frequent pastoral visits, Bishop Bibi demonstrates a core leadership principle: the importance of being close to the people one leads. This accessibility fosters a strong sense of trust and allows him to gain firsthand understanding of the diverse needs and challenges faced by his community. His proactive approach, going to the people rather than waiting for them to come to him, exemplifies a leadership style that values engagement and open communication. This kind of presence allows for a deeper understanding of the community’s pulse and enables more informed and effective responses to their needs. The very act of a leader showing up, especially in difficult times, can be a powerful motivator and a source of comfort for those being led.
Lesson 2: Navigating Challenges with Resilience and Faith
Bishop Bibi’s leadership has been significantly tested by the protracted Anglophone crisis in Cameroon, a period of intense violence and instability. Throughout this challenging time, he has consistently offered messages of hope, emphasizing the Church’s vital role as a “medium of hope” for the affected population. Beyond the external crisis, Bishop Bibi has also demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of administrative controversies and persistent social media attacks. Despite these distractions, he has remained focused on the spiritual and infrastructural development of the Diocese. His ability to persevere through such adversity appears to be deeply rooted in his faith. This suggests that a strong personal belief system or deeply held values can provide leaders with the strength and resolve needed to navigate difficult times. By consistently demonstrating resilience and offering messages of hope, Bishop Bibi provides a sense of stability and inspires his community during turbulent periods.
Lesson 3: The Courage to Make Difficult Decisions
Bishop Bibi has shown a willingness to make tough decisions, even when faced with potential criticism and resistance. Notable examples include the administrative reforms he initiated at the Catholic University Institute of Buea (CUIB) and his firm stance on suppressing certain lay associations within the Diocese. These actions sparked opposition, yet Bishop Bibi defended his choices, emphasizing his responsibility for the well-being of the Diocese. This highlights the leadership lesson of decisiveness, the courage to act in what one believes to be the best interest of the community, even when those decisions are unpopular. Furthermore, his later decision to lift the ban he initially placed on his predecessor, Bishop Emmanuel Bushu, from celebrating public Mass demonstrates a capacity for reconciliation and a willingness to adjust his approach when circumstances allow. This balance between firmness and flexibility is a crucial aspect of effective leadership.
Lesson 4: Prioritizing Communication and Education
A key aspect of Bishop Bibi’s leadership is his emphasis on communication and education. He regularly conducts catechetical sessions, demonstrating his commitment to informing his community about their faith and church teachings. Recognizing the power of broader reach, he also spearheaded the establishment of the Divine Mercy Radio Television (DMRTV) as a platform for evangelization and communication within the Diocese. These initiatives underscore the vital role of clear and consistent communication in effective leadership. By ensuring that his community is well-informed, Bishop Bibi fosters greater understanding and alignment with his vision and values. Utilizing multiple communication channels like radio and television allows him to reach a wider audience and reinforce important messages effectively, contributing to a more engaged and spiritually enriched community.
Lesson 5: Fostering Unity and Collaboration
Bishop Bibi consistently emphasizes the importance of unity and collaboration within the Buea Diocese. He frequently speaks about working together with the clergy, religious members, and the laity for the overall betterment of the community. He has openly acknowledged the “marvelous collaboration” he receives from his team and has expressed his belief in the value of shared decision-making processes. His engagement extends to meeting with various groups within the Diocese, such as the Brothers of St. Martin of Buea, demonstrating his commitment to understanding their challenges and fostering a supportive environment. This approach to leadership, which values the input and contributions of all stakeholders, can lead to greater success and a stronger sense of shared ownership within the community. By actively seeking to understand the needs of different groups, Bishop Bibi cultivates a more unified and collaborative environment.
Lesson 6: Leading with a Vision for Growth and Development
Bishop Bibi has demonstrated a clear vision for the growth and development of the Buea Diocese, both spiritually and infrastructurally. Significant projects like the construction of the Divine Mercy Co-Cathedral and the Bishop Pius Awa Memorial Pastoral Centre stand as tangible examples of his forward-thinking approach. Furthermore, his efforts to improve the financial condition of Catholic school teachers and his active involvement with the Catholic University Institute of Buea (CUIB) highlight his commitment to education and the well-being of his community. This demonstrates that effective leaders not only have a clear vision for the future but also take proactive and strategic steps to achieve it through tangible projects and initiatives that address both the immediate and long-term needs of their community.
Lesson 7: Standing Firm Against Opposition
Bishop Bibi has faced his share of opposition, including social media attacks and criticisms. Despite these challenges, he has shown a remarkable determination to remain focused on his goals and the development of the Diocese. He has made clear statements about his commitment to not tolerating mediocrity and holding everyone accountable for their actions. Importantly, he has also garnered significant support from the clergy and the Diocesan Pastoral Council , indicating that standing firm on one’s principles can indeed rally support from those who believe in the leader’s vision. This highlights a crucial leadership trait: the ability to remain steadfast in one’s convictions while also engaging with criticism constructively. Openly communicating one’s principles and expectations can be instrumental in managing opposition and building a strong, supportive team.
Lesson 8: Emphasizing Justice and Accountability
Bishop Bibi’s leadership is characterized by a strong emphasis on justice and accountability within the church. His teachings often touch upon the importance of justice and fairness, and he has consistently demonstrated a commitment to transparency and accountability in his administrative roles. His efforts to address issues within the Catholic University Institute of Buea (CUIB) serve as a clear example of his dedication to proper governance and ethical conduct. By prioritizing these values, leaders can cultivate a culture of trust and integrity within their organizations or communities. Bishop Bibi’s declaration that there would be “no untouchables” within his diocese underscores his commitment to holding everyone, including himself, to high ethical standards.
Lesson 9: Promoting Peace and Reconciliation in Times of Conflict
In the context of the ongoing Anglophone crisis, Bishop Bibi has played a significant role in promoting peace and reconciliation. He has consistently emphasized the importance of remembering the good in others and has made repeated calls for dialogue and an immediate end to violence. His leadership has also focused on providing hope and support to the communities most affected by the crisis. This demonstrates the critical role that leaders can play in fostering peace and reconciliation during times of conflict by encouraging dialogue, emphasizing shared humanity, and offering support to those in need. Even amidst prolonged conflict, maintaining a focus on the potential for reconciliation and highlighting positive aspects can help communities find a path forward.
Lesson 10: Leading with Humility and Service
Bishop Bibi’s reflections on his leadership highlight his commitment to humility and service. He has described his role as that of a servant leader within the community, emphasizing the importance of serving the Lord with humility and a willingness to make sacrifices for the good of the Church. He has also openly stated that his achievements are largely due to the collaboration and support he receives from others, reflecting a humble perspective on his leadership. This underscores the principle that true leadership is often characterized by humility and a genuine focus on serving the needs of the community or team rather than seeking personal gain. By prioritizing the well-being and growth of those he leads, Bishop Bibi embodies the principles of servant leadership, fostering a more positive and productive environment within the Buea Diocese.
Bishop Michael Bibi’s Key Appointments and Roles
| Date | Age | Event/Role | Diocese/Archdiocese |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26 Apr 2000 | 28 | Ordained Priest | Bamenda, Cameroon |
| 24 Jan 2017 | 45 | Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Bamenda | Bamenda, Cameroon |
| 24 Jan 2017 | 45 | Appointed Titular Bishop of Amudarsa | |
| 25 Mar 2017 | 45 | Ordained Bishop | Bamenda, Cameroon |
| 28 Dec 2019 | 48 | Appointed Apostolic Administrator of Buéa | Buea, Cameroon |
| 5 Jan 2021 | 49 | Appointed Bishop of Buéa | Buea, Cameroon |
| 25 Feb 2021 | 49 | Installed as Bishop of Buéa | Buea, Cameroon |
| 3 Mar 2025 | 53 | Recovering from a grisly accident (Stable condition) | Buea, Cameroon |