The Cameroonian diaspora, composed of millions of nationals living abroad, represents a significant economic force, but it also raises complex questions regarding its impact on Cameroon’s society and economy. While discussions often revolve around its role and dynamism, it is clear that there are significant disparities in how it contributes to the country’s development. From financial solidarity to community initiatives and political engagement, the diaspora plays a role, but is it genuinely dynamic, or is it merely an idealized image from afar?
The most frequently highlighted aspect to underscore the dynamism of the Cameroonian diaspora is its economic contribution. Remittances are indeed a significant source of income for many Cameroonian families. According to World Bank estimates, Cameroonians in the diaspora send over $2 billion annually to their home country, placing Cameroon among the African leaders in remittance flows. These funds support relatives in the healthcare, education, and housing construction sectors.
However, despite this economic influence, one must question whether these remittances genuinely serve as a long-term lever for the country’s development. While they help reduce individual poverty, they do not necessarily create sustainable jobs or support national infrastructure. Thus, remittances remain a form of temporary aid without generating a multiplier effect on the national economy.
Associative Engagement: A Double-Edged Dynamic
Several associative initiatives have emerged within the Cameroonian diaspora behind the remittance transfers. Many diaspora members in their host countries have formed associations and NGOs to address Cameroon’s specific issues. These efforts cover various areas, including school construction, disaster relief, and human rights advocacy.
A notable example is the “Association of Cameroonians in France” (ACF), which has launched projects to promote access to education and healthcare in remote regions of Cameroon. In 2020, this organization contributed to constructing a health center in the village of Nguélémendouka in the East of Cameroon. While these initiatives are important, they remain fragmented and often lack coordination with local authorities, limiting their national impact.
Moreover, a recurring issue is the absence of a genuinely collaborative network among these associations. Instead of forming a global, coordinated movement, the Cameroonian diaspora often operates in isolation, without significant political leverage or economic weight to influence public policies. According to some experts, this “fragmented dynamic” reduces the effectiveness of these efforts.
Political Engagement: A Role Still in the Making
Another area where the Cameroonian diaspora struggles to show its true dynamism is political engagement. While Cameroonians abroad are often key players in social media-based political debates, their direct influence on political processes within the country remains marginal. For example, organizing presidential elections abroad is still a subject of discussion. Despite many diaspora members advocating for the right to vote, the country’s authorities remain reluctant to grant this possibility.
The case of the “Movement for the Renaissance of Cameroon” (MRC), led by Maurice Kamto, is noteworthy. While it has managed to mobilize part of the diaspora around its fight for democratic reforms, divisions within the Cameroonian community abroad have prevented stronger mobilization. Furthermore, the Cameroonian government does not seem to view these demands as a serious threat, and the external opposition struggles to make its voice heard in a country where the ruling elite essentially controls political processes.
Challenges of Leadership and Collaboration with the Homeland
Another factor hindering the real impact of the Cameroonian diaspora is the lack of structured leadership and collaboration with local authorities. Unlike countries like Morocco or Senegal, where specific ministries or governmental structures are dedicated to managing the diaspora, Cameroon seems to lack a genuine policy for dialogue and cooperation. As a result, many initiatives are launched without coordination with the government, reducing their scope and impact.
Although successive Cameroonian governments have organized some diaspora forums, these events are often seen as communication opportunities without concrete follow-up. Without an actual partnership strategy, the diaspora’s impact remains limited.
An Underutilized Potential
Ultimately, the Cameroonian diaspora possesses enormous potential but struggles to organize itself coherently and strategically to influence the country’s development genuinely. While its dynamism is undeniable, especially in economic terms, the question remains: Is it enough to change the country’s destiny, or does it stay a mirage with scattered efforts and no collective vision?
The Cameroonian diaspora could play a much more significant role in the nation’s development, but this requires collective awareness and genuine collaboration with Cameroonian authorities. The ball is now in the court of diaspora leaders and national leaders, who must rethink their approach to ensure that the diaspora becomes an actual engine of development rather than a mere distant observer.
