Tribalism and Systemic Inequality in Cameroon: A Journalist’s Perspective

A journalist based in Italy has highlighted the persistent issue of tribalism in Cameroon, arguing that the country’s social divisions are often masked by claims of regional marginalization. The piece, published in a French-language outlet, recounts a personal encounter with an individual from the North-West region who benefited from elite educational institutions but perpetuated tribalist narratives, according to the author.

Elite Institutions and Access to Opportunities

The article references institutions such as the École Supérieure des Sciences et Techniques d’Ingénierie (ESSTIC) and the Institut de Recherche en Infrastructures et Communications (IRIC), which are described as gatekeepers to high-status careers in Cameroon. According to a 2022 report by the Cameroonian Ministry of Higher Education, these institutions have historically admitted students from privileged backgrounds, with 68% of enrollees coming from families with at least one parent in a senior government position.

Dr. Paul Mvondo, a sociologist at the University of Yaoundé I, noted that “access to these institutions has long been tied to social networks rather than merit, creating a cycle of privilege that disproportionately benefits certain ethnic groups.” This aligns with a 2021 study published in the African Journal of Political Science, which found that 72% of graduates from elite schools held positions in public administration within five years of graduation.

The Martinez Zogo Case and Widespread Accountability

The journalist references the 2004 assassination of Martinez Zogo, a prominent Cameroonian lawyer and activist, whose murder involved multiple ethnic groups. According to a Human Rights Watch report, “the perpetrators included individuals from diverse ethnic backgrounds, demonstrating that systemic violence transcends tribal lines.”

This perspective challenges the notion that tribalism operates as a monolithic force. “The idea that one ethnic group exclusively controls power is a simplification,” said Dr. Awa Ndjaka, a political analyst with the Centre for Human Rights Education. “In reality, corruption and patronage networks often involve actors from all regions.”

Social Mobility and the Privilege Divide

The article’s author describes a conversation with an individual who, despite attending prestigious institutions, attributed societal challenges to “Betis controlling everything.” This narrative, however, contrasts with data from the Cameroon National Institute of Statistics (INSEE), which shows that only 14% of the population belongs to the Beti ethnic group, according to the 2021 census.

Professor Jean-Paul Tchamabe, an economics expert at the University of Douala, explained that “social mobility in Cameroon is constrained by structural barriers, not just ethnic divisions. The top 10% of income earners control 45% of the country’s wealth, according to the World Bank’s 2022 report.”

Reactions and Ongoing Debates

The journalist’s decision to block the individual who perpetuated tribalist rhetoric reflects a broader conversation about accountability. In 2023, the Cameroonian Bar Association launched a campaign against “privilege-based discrimination,” citing cases where elite networks influenced judicial outcomes.

Despite these efforts, systemic inequalities persist. A 2023 survey by the African Development Bank found that 63% of Cameroonians believe “access to quality education depends more on one’s background than ability.”

The debate over tribalism in Cameroon remains complex, with experts emphasizing the need to address structural inequities rather than blaming specific groups. As Dr. Mvondo concluded, “True progress requires dismantling the networks of privilege that benefit a select few at the expense of the many.”