Tribalism in Cameroon: a journalist’s perspective from exile
A leading Cameroonian journalist now living in Italy has published a scathing critique of the country’s tribal divisions. In his latest opinion piece, Jean Claude Mbede exposes how perceived privilege and exclusion shape Cameroonian society.
The journalist recounts a conversation with a self-described “friend” from Cameroon’s Far North region. Despite holding degrees from prestigious institutions like ESSTIC and IRIC—schools known for their selective admissions—she claimed that the country was stacked against everyone except the “Bétis,” who allegedly control all opportunities.
Her comments revealed a stark divide: she believed success in Cameroon was impossible without Béti patronage. She even suggested that Mbede’s 20-year exile was a result of “pride,” implying that a simple apology to the Béti community would have secured his return.
“Apologize for what crime? What fault?” Mbede retorted. He pointed to the tragic murder of Martinez Zogo, whose killers—funded by elites across ethnic lines—showed no tribal mercy. The crime transcended ethnicity; it was about power and corruption.
The conversation highlighted a deeper truth: Cameroon’s real tribal divide isn’t regional; it’s economic. Mbede argues there are only two groups:
- Those with access to the system: Elite families who secure spots at elite schools like IRIC, ESSTIC, ENAM, or EMIA through connections.
- Everyone else: Ordinary Cameroonians who hustle to survive—selling water, farming, or working informal jobs.
Mbede didn’t mince words. He sees tribalism among the privileged as the most dangerous form, blurring the lines between meritocracy and cronyism. His decision to cut ties with the woman reflected his refusal to tolerate such attitudes.
In his view, the narrative of ethnic marginalization often distracts from the real issue: social exclusion perpetuated by a system that favors the connected over the capable. His call is clear: stop blaming tribes and start dismantling the structures that keep power—and opportunity—concentrated in the hands of a few.
Jean Claude Mbede Fouda
Tribalism
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