The Untold History of Southern Cameroon: A Legacy of Resistance and Resilience
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Southern Cameroon, a region often overshadowed by the broader narrative of the nation, holds a rich and complex history that intertwines with contemporary global issues—from colonialism and post-independence struggles to modern debates over autonomy and resource exploitation. This blog dives deep into the untold stories of Southern Cameroon, exploring how its past continues to shape its present.
Southern Cameroon’s modern history begins with European colonization. In 1884, Germany declared the region a protectorate, integrating it into Kamerun. The Germans exploited local resources, particularly rubber and ivory, while imposing harsh labor systems. Indigenous resistance, such as the 1904 Bakweri uprising, was brutally suppressed, leaving scars that linger in collective memory.
After Germany’s defeat in WWI, the League of Nations split Kamerun between France and Britain. Southern Cameroon fell under British administration as part of British Cameroons. Unlike the French, who assimilated their zone, the British employed indirect rule, leveraging local chiefs. This period saw the rise of cocoa farming, which became an economic backbone—but also entrenched inequalities.
As decolonization swept Africa, Southern Cameroon faced a pivotal choice: join Nigeria or unite with French Cameroon. In a 1961 UN-organized plebiscite, the majority voted for union with French Cameroon, forming the Federal Republic of Cameroon. However, many Southern Cameroonians felt betrayed when the federation was dissolved in 1972, centralizing power in Yaoundé.
Post-1972, Southern Cameroon (renamed Northwest and Southwest Regions) experienced systemic marginalization. Francophone dominance in government, education, and infrastructure fueled resentment. The imposition of French civil law in Anglophone courts and the neglect of Anglophone universities became flashpoints.
In 2016, lawyers and teachers protested against the erosion of Anglophone rights. The government’s violent crackdown radicalized many, leading to the emergence of armed separatist groups like the Ambazonia Defense Forces. The conflict has since escalated, with reports of atrocities on both sides and over 6,000 deaths.
Southern Cameroon is resource-rich, with oil, timber, and fertile land. Global demand for these resources has intensified the conflict. Multinational corporations, often accused of complicity in exploitation, face scrutiny. The Eneo energy scandal, where locals were displaced for a dam, highlights the tension between development and displacement.
While the world condemns conflicts in Ukraine or Gaza, the Anglophone crisis receives scant attention. Critics argue this reflects racial and geopolitical biases. The African Union’s silence contrasts with its interventions elsewhere, raising questions about Pan-African solidarity.
Despite adversity, Southern Cameroonians preserve their identity through language (Pidgin English), music (Makossa), and festivals like Ngondo. Diaspora communities in the U.S. and Europe amplify their struggles online, using hashtags like #FreeAmbazonia.
Debates rage over solutions. Some advocate for a return to federalism, while others demand full independence as Ambazonia. The path forward remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: Southern Cameroon’s history of resistance isn’t over.
This isn’t just a local issue—it’s a mirror to global injustices, from colonialism’s legacy to the hypocrisy of international diplomacy. Southern Cameroon’s story demands to be heard.