The Power of Unity: A Call for National Consensus in Cameroon’s Development Trajectory

By Ngembeni Wa Namaso

1. Introduction: The Missing Ingredient in Development

Economic and infrastructural transformation requires more than just resources or strategic policies—it demands a unifying national purpose. Countries that have made remarkable development strides did so by rallying their people behind a shared vision, whether for good or bad reasons. Conversely, nations riddled with division, ideological conflicts, or ethnic fragmentation often struggle to achieve meaningful progress.

Cameroon, despite its immense potential, remains entangled in deep-seated divisions that undermine its developmental efforts. As the country approaches the crucial 2025 elections, there is an urgent need for conscientization—a deliberate effort to foster a collective national consciousness capable of driving progress. This article explores how a strong, unified sense of purpose has historically propelled other nations forward and why Cameroon must embrace this principle to secure its future.

2. The Power of a Unifying National Purpose: Lessons from History

Throughout history, national unity has served as a powerful catalyst for economic growth and modernization. Several countries have demonstrated that a shared vision—regardless of its origins—can be a game-changer in achieving transformation.

(i) Post-Genocide Rwanda: Rising from the Ashes

Following the devastating 1994 genocide, Rwanda was on the brink of collapse. However, under visionary leadership, the country adopted a unifying national purpose centered on reconciliation, economic revival, and technological advancement. By focusing on common goals rather than ethnic divisions, Rwanda has emerged as one of Africa’s fastest-growing economies, achieving impressive gains in infrastructure, digital transformation, and military capability.

(ii) The Singapore Model: Unity for Economic Supremacy

Singapore, a small, resource-limited island, transformed itself into an economic powerhouse within a few decades. The leadership, under Lee Kuan Yew, emphasized national discipline, collective ambition, and a commitment to economic development. The country’s success was built on fostering a sense of shared destiny, which drove investments in human capital, infrastructure, and technological innovation.

(iii) Germany and Japan: Post-War Economic Miracles

After the devastation of World War II, Germany and Japan faced economic ruin. However, both countries redirected their energies towards reconstruction, technological advancement, and industrialization. The Marshall Plan, combined with a disciplined workforce and a shared national vision, enabled Germany to become Europe’s economic engine, while Japan emerged as a global leader in technology and manufacturing.

(iv) China’s Long-Term Vision: Outpacing the West

China has consistently demonstrated a strong, long-term sense of purpose, centered on economic modernization and global influence. Through carefully planned industrial policies and national mobilization, China has transformed itself from a struggling economy into a global economic giant, now competing head-to-head with the United States.

(v) South Africa’s Contradictory Unification Strategies

Under apartheid, South Africa achieved significant economic and technological advancement, albeit through a deeply flawed and oppressive system that prioritized the interests of a minority. Even today, South Africa's leadership has occasionally resorted to xenophobic nationalism to unite its citizens against perceived external threats. While this approach is ethically questionable, it underscores the reality that nations thrive when a large section of their population believes in a common purpose.

3. The Perils of Division: Why Cameroon Remains Stagnant

Cameroon’s development struggles can largely be attributed to a lack of unified national purpose. Despite its abundant natural resources, cultural wealth, and strategic geographic position, the country has failed to harness its potential due to persistent divisions along ethnic, linguistic, political, and ideological lines.

3.1. Struggling Attempts at National Cohesion

(i) The Bicultural Identity Approach

Cameroon’s bilingual heritage (Francophone and Anglophone) has often been promoted as a unique strength. However, rather than fostering unity, this duality has deepened divisions, culminating in the Anglophone Crisis, which has severely hampered national stability and development.

(ii) Sloganeering Without Substance

The “One and Indivisible Cameroon” mantra, while noble in intent, has not translated into concrete actions that address historical grievances or foster national unity. A slogan without structural reforms and inclusive governance only deepens skepticism and resistance.

(iii) The CNU - CPDM’s Unity Party Experiment

The ruling party, originally the Cameroon National Union (CNU), later rebranded as the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM), sought to create a single-party system to unify the country. However, instead of fostering national cohesion, it became a vehicle for elite consolidation, leading to widespread disillusionment and further fragmentation.

4. The Urgency of National Conscientization in 2025

With the upcoming 2025 elections, Cameroon stands at a crossroads. The country must take deliberate steps toward fostering a unifying national vision, driven by shared economic, technological, and infrastructural goals rather than narrow political or ethnic interests.

4.1. Key Steps Toward National Consensus

(i) Redefining National Purpose Beyond Anti-Imperialism

While resistance against neocolonial influence remains relevant, Cameroon must transition from an anti-imperialist mindset to a "Cameroon First" development agenda. Anti-imperialism alone is combative and reactive; true transformation requires proactive nation-building.

(ii) Inclusive Leadership and Meritocracy

Leaders must be chosen based on competence, vision, and integrity rather than ethnic or regional affiliations. The era of patronage politics must end in favor of leaders who can articulate and implement a unifying development agenda.

(iii) Decentralization and Equitable Development

Economic and infrastructural investments must be equitably distributed across all regions to prevent the perception of favoritism, which fuels discontent and separatist sentiments.

(iv) Civic Education and National Identity Formation

A national conscientization movement should be launched to educate citizens on the importance of unity in development. Schools, media, and civil society organizations must play a role in shaping a collective national consciousness.

(v) Leveraging Football as a Unifying Force Beyond Sports

Football remains one of the few forces that genuinely unites Cameroonians across all divides. This passion should be channeled into other national development projects by fostering a spirit of teamwork, discipline, and collective ambition in economic and governance initiatives.

Conclusion: A Call for Collective Action

Cameroon’s development is being stifled by persistent divisions that prevent the emergence of a national consensus. The lessons from Rwanda, Singapore, Germany, Japan, China, and even South Africa demonstrate that nations progress when their people rally behind a shared vision.

The 2025 elections present a critical opportunity to shift the national mindset towards unity and purpose. Cameroonians must demand leaders who inspire a collective mission, prioritize inclusive growth, and focus on economic transformation rather than divisive politics.

Without a unifying national drive, Cameroon risks remaining stuck in a cycle of stagnation. But with the right leadership and a committed citizenry, the country can forge a path toward sustained economic, infrastructural, and technological progress. The time for a national awakening is now.

Ngembeni Wa Namaso is an Environmental Management Specialist and commentator on Society and Politics. He holds a PhD in Forest Policy and Economics He is based in Yaoundé, Cameroon