Cameroonian artist Mani Bella has addressed an open letter to the country's authorities, expressing her deep concern about the rise of tribal tensions on the internet. In her letter dated February 26, 2026, she denounces online discussions that she says are degenerating into a "growing tribal anarchy".
Mani Bella points out that certain groups of people are engaging in constant denigration of other ethnic groups, spreading hatred, threats and macabre promises towards those who do not share their radical ideas. She is particularly alarmed by the indoctrination of Cameroonian youth into national and community division, fearing that these actions will seriously damage Cameroon's image.
Faced with this alarming situation, Mani Bella calls on the authorities to become aware of the seriousness of the situation and to act accordingly. She calls on them to introduce sanctions against tribalism and to set up re-education programs for Cameroonians, including compulsory citizenship and love-of-neighbor classes. She even suggests creating a citizenship card, required during checks, to certify this national duty.
Mani Bella warns of the disastrous consequences of inaction, predicting a return to a Wild West era by 2035 if tribalism, rudeness and gratuitous malice continue to proliferate. Her call to action has sparked strong reactions, including threats against her. Some Internet users, claiming to be members of the Ekang community, have reportedly made serious threats, even mentioning the burning of her home.
The Cameroonian government had already submitted to parliament in 2019 a bill to amend the Penal Code to sanction tribalism. This bill provided for prison sentences and fines for "insulting races and religions" and "insulting tribes," with sanctions doubled if the offense was committed through the press or on social media. Despite these existing legal provisions, Mani Bella insists on the need for stronger measures and a collective awareness to stem this scourge that threatens national cohesion. The artist calls on everyone to say "stop" to tribalism and to promote unity and mutual respect among Cameroonians.
