Separatist fighters in Cameroon’s restive English-speaking regions say they will briefly stand down as Pope Leo XIV arrives, opening a narrow window for movement in an area long gripped by violence.

The Unity Alliance, a coalition of armed groups, announced late Monday that it would halt operations for three days to allow what it called “safe travel” during the pope’s visit on Wednesday. In its statement, the group said the decision recognizes the “profound spiritual importance” of the visit and aims to ensure civilians, pilgrims and officials can move without fear.

According to The Associated Press, there was no immediate response from the government when contacted. However, spokesperson René Sadi had indicated last week that “all necessary arrangements have been made” to ensure a successful visit.

READ ALSO: Pope Leo XIV says he is not afraid of Trump as tensions over Iran war rhetoric intensify

Cameroon’s Anglophone regions have been caught in a deadly conflict since 2017, when separatists took up arms seeking to carve out an independent state from the largely French-speaking nation. According to the International Crisis Group, the violence has claimed more than 6,000 lives and forced over 600,000 people from their homes.

Pope Leo, who opened his four-nation African tour in Algeria, is expected in Yaoundé before heading to Bamenda, a city at the heart of the separatist insurgency. There, he is scheduled to lead a “peace meeting” on Thursday.

Unity Alliance spokesperson Lucas Asu said the temporary ceasefire “reflects a deliberate commitment to responsibility, restraint, and respect for human dignity, even in the context of ongoing conflict.” He added that the visit must remain “spiritual” and should not be interpreted as backing any political authority.

Although the frequency of attacks has declined in recent years, efforts to end the conflict have made little headway. Talks mediated by international actors have stalled, with both the government and separatist factions trading accusations of bad faith.

READ ALSO: Trump refuses to apologize as Pope Leo feud intensifies over meme and Iran war

The roots of the crisis trace back to the country’s colonial past. After World War I, Cameroon was split between French and British control. In 1961, the English-speaking territories voted in a U.N.-supported process to join French Cameroon, a union separatists argue has since left them politically sidelined and economically disadvantaged.