In his recent opinion piece, Cameroonian commentator Alex Nguepi argues that tribal identity is being weaponized to mask the country’s economic struggles.

“Those who have invested their money in building homes, factories, businesses and enterprises owe no explanations to those who chose to remain on the sidelines,” Nguepi asserts.

“The Bamileke people do not need to justify owning properties in Douala, Yaoundé or any other region of Cameroon. Cameroon belongs to no single tribe, community or group—it belongs to all Cameroonians.

The economic hubs of Douala and Yaoundé were not built by one ethnic group alone. They were constructed through the taxes, sacrifices and hard work of millions of Cameroonians from across the country. No one holds a monopoly on Cameroonian citizenship.

The unpalatable truth many refuse to acknowledge is clear: the Bamileke have cultivated a culture of savings, commerce, investment and wealth creation. While some spend, others invest. While some consume, others build. While some seek excuses for their stagnation, others work to secure a better future for their children.

The aspirations of many young people from the West region are not confined to inheriting their family homes. They dream of constructing their own houses, launching businesses and leaving legacies for future generations. That’s why they purchase land, build properties, open shops and create jobs wherever opportunities arise.

It is therefore absurd to frame the economic success of a community as a political issue. Those who have invested their money in building homes, factories, businesses and enterprises owe no explanations to those who chose to remain on the sidelines.

The real scandal isn’t that Cameroonians are building across their country. The real scandal is that after decades in power, some leaders still resort to pitting Cameroonians against one another to distract from their dismal economic and social records.

When economies falter, unemployment rises, poverty deepens and opportunities dwindle, purveyors of division invariably resort to the same playbook: tribalism, claims of indigeneity and discord. This is the strategy of regimes at the end of their cycles, when they have run out of solutions to offer the people.

Cameroon does not need tribalists. Cameroon needs builders. It needs citizens who invest, create businesses, pay taxes, generate jobs and contribute to national prosperity.

A nation advances through the efforts of entrepreneurs, farmers, industrialists, traders and workers—not through hate speech, envy 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 be consigned to the dustbin of history.

Alex Nguepi”