Singer Tayc has expressed his reluctance to invest in Cameroon due to the Anglophone crisis, a situation that affects many Cameroonians in the diaspora. In an interview on the Small Talk podcast by French media outlet Kombini, the artist explained that the persistent insecurity in the Anglophone regions of Northwest and Southwest, where his mother is from Bamenda, prevents him from contributing financially to the country's development.
The Anglophone crisis, which began in 2016, pits separatist groups against Cameroonian government forces. This conflict has led to thousands of deaths, massive population displacements, and increasing economic instability in the affected regions. Tayc's mother has not been able to return to Bamenda for ten years due to fear related to this violence.
Tayc recounted receiving a call from his uncle encouraging him to invest in Cameroon, but he replied that he could not do so as long as his own mother was not welcome there. He nuanced his remarks by stating that he would continue to give concerts and support charities in Cameroon, but that his commitment would be limited by this deep wound.
The Cameroonian diaspora represents an essential economic engine for the country, notably through remittances and investments. In 2024, these transfers reached 652 billion FCFA, 35% of which came from France. However, the Anglophone crisis is hindering this momentum, as many Cameroonians abroad are hesitant to invest in a context of instability and insecurity.
The Anglophone crisis has serious economic consequences, with a decline in cocoa and coffee production, increased unemployment, and business closures. Blockades and insecurity hinder trade and the supply of factories. Tayc's testimony highlights the economic cost of this crisis and underscores the need to find a solution to restore confidence and encourage investment.
Several initiatives aim to channel diaspora investment into Cameroon, such as the Savana Diaspora Connect platform, which aims to mobilize 150 billion FCFA over five years. The Cameroonian government is also seeking to encourage the diaspora to invest in key sectors such as agribusiness and new technologies.
Until the Anglophone crisis is resolved, part of Cameroonian territory will remain deprived of the capital and skills of its diaspora. Tayc's statement is a call for collective awareness of the economic stakes of this crisis for Cameroon's future.
