Alex Nguepi challenges the weaponization of ethnicity in Cameroon’s economic discourse

In a powerful op-ed, commentator Alex Nguepi dismantles the dangerous narrative that equates ethnic identity with economic entitlement. “Those who invest their capital in building homes, factories, businesses and enterprises owe no explanations to those who chose to remain spectators,” he asserts.

The Bamileke community, often unfairly targeted for its economic success, bears no burden of justification for owning property or businesses across Cameroon. “Cameroon belongs to no single tribe, community or group—it belongs to all Cameroonians,” Nguepi emphasizes.

The nation’s major cities weren’t built by one ethnic group alone. They emerged from the collective efforts, taxes, sacrifices and hard work of millions of Cameroonians from every region. Citizenship isn’t a monopoly held by any one group.

The uncomfortable truth many refuse to acknowledge is this: the Bamileke have cultivated a culture of savings, commerce, investment and asset building. While some consume, others invest. While some spend, others build. While some seek excuses for stagnation, others work to secure their children’s future.

Young people from the West Region aren’t dreaming of inheriting ancestral homes forever. They aspire to construct their own houses, establish businesses and create lasting legacies. This explains why they purchase land, erect buildings, open shops and generate employment wherever opportunities arise.

It’s absurd to frame economic success as a political problem. Investors who build homes, factories and businesses across the country owe no apologies to those who prefer to remain on the sidelines.

The real scandal isn’t that Cameroonians are building across their nation. The scandal is that after decades in power, some leaders still resort to ethnic division to mask their economic and social failures.

When economies falter, unemployment rises, poverty spreads and opportunities dwindle, purveyors of hate always fall back on the same tactics: tribe, autochthony and division. This is the strategy of regimes in their twilight that have run out of solutions to offer their people.

Cameroon doesn’t need tribalists—it needs builders. It needs citizens who invest, create businesses, pay taxes, generate jobs and contribute to national wealth.

A nation advances through entrepreneurs, farmers, industrialists, traders and workers—not through hate speech, jealousy or attempts at stigmatization.

Let each person build. Let each person invest. Let each person create wealth. And Cameroon will move forward.

The future belongs to builders. Those who sow division will end up in history’s wastebasket.

— Alex Nguepi