Urban culture and change agents

Urban culture and identity in Central African cities are characterized by religion; a significant youth bulge; circular migration; and long histories of conflict. Urban ethnic segregation persists amidst the diversity of people, languages and cultures in Central Africa. Cameroon’s 285 indigenous languages 65 are an indication of this diversity. The high urban ethnic diversity opens opportunities for the exploitation of ethnic identity and conflict over belonging, marginalization, exploitation and denigration of those perceived as “strangers” in Central African cities (e.g. migrants). National identities are used as strategies for inclusion and exclusion. 66 Decentralization of governance in Cameroon has arguably led to further urban ethnic exploitation, such as in the coastal city of Limbe, 67 and ethnic confrontations have increasingly taken place in Central African cities.

Related Subject(s): Human Settlements and Urban Issues