In a recent publication titled "La pensée de MK" No. 107-2026, Maurice Kamto, a leading figure in the Cameroonian opposition and leader of the MRC, shared his reflections on the critical challenges of development in Africa [cite: ]. He calls on Africans to commit to hard work, make sacrifices, and adopt a long-term vision to secure the continent's future [cite: ].
Kamto emphasizes that African nations have often drawn inspiration from the Western model, without always considering the historical realities and considerable efforts that shaped its rise [cite: ]. He insists on the imperative for African societies to prioritize work, collective effort, and a long-term perspective to stimulate their own development [cite: ].
"The situation of Africa at the gates of Europe has misled us, Africans, about what awaits us. This continent, which has forged a civilization based essentially on the pursuit of individual happiness and domination, is the model that was given from the outset to our young states. But we were shown the end without being shown the beginning or the route. It is through technical, political and cultural innovations, on the one hand, and external wars of conquest and domination, on the other hand, that Europe, and more broadly the West, has established its supremacy for about five centuries," he declared [cite: ].
Kamto urges Africans to accept sacrifices over several generations to achieve a sustainable transformation of the continent [cite: ]. He warns against the idea of development as a result of chance or empty talk, emphasizing the need for hard work and sacrifices made over at least two generations to propel development and enable Africa to take control of its destiny [cite: ].
"There is no development by happy chance, against a background of chatter and addiction to power for life. We Africans must accept to suffer by working much harder, and make sacrifices over at least two generations to propel our development and become masters of our destiny. Otherwise, we will not succeed. History offers no counter-example," he concluded [cite: ]. Maurice Kamto's call resonates as a plea for an Africa that takes its destiny into its own hands through effort and perseverance.
