Is Leaving Cameroon the Only Way Out? Prof. Fru Awasom Proffers Solutions on MMI’s The Conversation Desk

By Njodzeka Kernyuy

Over the years, many Cameroonians have come to believe that the only way to combat poverty, hardship, and unemployment is by leaving the country. A 2024 Afrobarometer survey reveals that 51 percent of the population has considered emigration.

However, debates have long centred around this topic, with many asking whether leaving actually solves the underlying problems.

On Thursday, January 8, during the premiere edition of MMI News’ The Conversation Desk, Prof. Nicodemus Fru Awasom—President of the Association of Cameroon Returnee Diaspora Professors—argued that a problem cannot be solved by running away from it.

Having spent over 35 years abroad before returning home, Prof. Awasom argues that, irrespective of where people go, home remains home.

According to him, life abroad can be defined by loneliness.

“At home, you are a king. Every single weekend, you are involved in ex-student meetings, coming together and eating with others. You have ethnic associations and church groups that keep your weekends busy. We are not in isolation,” he stated.

However, despite the desire to stay, are there actually opportunities at home, and what about those who want to return?

The Conversation Desk presenter, Mimi Mefo Newuh, who has also been living abroad for years, argued that those in the diaspora participate as much in building Cameroon as those based at home.

This view was shared by Prof. Fru Awasom, who added that while opportunities exist at home, the current political atmosphere makes returning very difficult.

He recounted some of his experiences with security elements and other institutions that view the diaspora with suspicion, often seeing them as coming to compete or to change what has already been “normalised.”

However, The Conversation Desk did not intend to discourage people from seeking opportunities abroad, but rather to discuss when it is ripped for them to return home.

“Here in Cameroon, one really enjoys oneself despite the challenges. I think that professors, in particular, can come home and share what they have been doing in other countries as a way to build Cameroon,” said Prof Fru Awasom.

Cameroon Does Not Belong to One Person

Despite the encouragement for the diaspora to return, questions remain regarding governance.

Hundreds of thousands of Cameroonians are seeking asylum abroad to escape prosecution at home.

“We can’t solve the problem by running away. Cameroon does not belong only to those in government. It’s our Cameroon. Say whatever you need to say here,” Prof. Awasom added.

He suggested that the current state of leadership exists because citizens allowed a situation to develop where the country feels as though it belongs to a select few.

To him, while the diaspora sends significant remittances and participates in political activities from thousands of miles away, carrying out activities on the ground carries a different weight.

Ultimately, he urged the government to change its mindset regarding the diaspora by creating an enabling private sector where businesses can flourish.

This would allow those abroad to see the value in returning to build their home, following the example of other African nations.

What is The Conversation Desk?

This is a new program that has just premiered on MMI News. It is broadcast on Facebook and X via “MMI News” and on YouTube via “Talk with Mimi Mefo.”

Briefing the MMI News team, the show’s producer, Njodzeka Kernyuy, said the program is a shift from “Road to Etoudi,” which focused primarily on politics and the 2025 presidential election.

“The Conversation Desk is diverse. We are going to feature different faces from all walks of life. The conversation will cover politics, the economy, and societal human-interest stories. We look forward to spotlighting issues that drive change, inspire hope, or build,” he said.

According to Njodzeka, the program will be broadcast once a week for the time being. Further modifications will be made as the show continues to unfold.