Prominent Cameroonian journalist Jean Claude Mbede has shed light on the intricate reality of tribalism in Cameroon through a recent insightful commentary.
Mbede’s reflections delve into how tribalism often masquerades as intellectualism and privilege, manifesting in unexpected corners of society. He illustrates this societal deception with a compelling personal narrative.
During a recent conversation, Mbede recounted an exchange with an acquaintance from Cameroon’s Grand North. This individual, a graduate of the highly acclaimed ESSTIC and IRIC institutions—known for their selective entry processes—also happened to be the daughter of a high-ranking customs official, a position of immense privilege. Despite her advantageous background, which allowed her to secure places in competitive programs that many PhD holders fail to access, she expressed a common lament.
She asserted that life in Cameroon is inherently challenging for everyone, “except for the Betis, who allegedly control everything and only uplift their own.” The conversation took a cynical turn when she suggested Mbede’s two decades of self-imposed exile were a result of “pride,” implying that a simple “apology” to his Beti “brothers” would have guaranteed him a comfortable life in Cameroon.
“Apology for what transgression? What misdeed?” Mbede challenged her. He then drew a stark parallel, recalling the tragic fate of Martinez Zogo, a Beti brother who pleaded for his life before his assassins—individuals funded by elites from various backgrounds. Mbede emphasized that the perpetrators of such heinous acts, driven by corruption and greed, transcended any single ethnic group. Crime and avarice, he powerfully argued, recognize no tribal affiliations.
Mbede’s attempt to highlight her own significant advantages within the system, far exceeding those of most young Betis or individuals from other regions, proved futile. Her dismissive remarks casually trivialized his 20 years of exile, marked by struggle, loneliness, and persistent battles, which Mbede found deeply insulting.
His response was unequivocal: he immediately severed ties with her. Mbede declared zero tolerance for tribalists, especially those who, despite their privileged status, perpetuate such divisive narratives.
His core message is clear and resounding:
In Cameroon, the notion of multiple ethnicities is a facade. In reality, there are only two distinct groups:
- The architects of the system: These are the individuals who, through elite networks, secure coveted positions for their children in prestigious institutions like IRIC, ESSTIC, ENAM, and EMIA.
- The rest of us: This group comprises the children of resilient mothers who toil in fields and engage in informal trade, like hawking unchilled water, simply to survive.
The genuine chasm within Cameroonian society is not geographical or tribal; it is fundamentally social. Mbede urges citizens not to be swayed by those who benefit immensely from the existing structure while simultaneously decrying marginalization. He concluded that shedding such privileged tribalists from his life was a necessary act, as their brand of tribalism poses the greatest threat to national cohesion.
