Political Boundaries of Cameroon

Compared to most African states that were gaining independence in the 20th century, Cameroon was one of only five other states that did not have a some sort of violent overthrow of the government(1). This stability has allowed the country to have some sort of security and political infrastructure. This is not to say that divisions to not exist. This would be quite impossible considering that over 200 ethnic groups have settled the area. The Muslim north was starting to get settled by such groups as the Fulani and other Arab pastoralist groups that spread Islam as they migrated.

Administrative regions of Cameroon.

Southern Cameroon was largely influenced by Europe’s Christian kingdoms. Starting with Portugal which gives the country its name for the vast amount of shrimp found in the Wouri River. Christian missionaries and the need for trade routes and resources caused the migration further inland. Germany had ambitions as well for colonies and in 1884 conquered the colony and renamed it Kamerun. After WWII the Kamerun officially became a League of Nations territory and split into French Cameroun and British Cameroons in 1919. 

Division of French and British Cameroon after WWII.

Independence would be achieved after a long guerilla war in French Cameroon under President Ahmadou Ahidjo. In October of the following year, what was then known as the “Southern British Cameroon” united with “French Camerun” to become the “Federal Republic of Cameroon”.

Cameroon today is lead by Paul Biya who has ruled the country since 1982. The country has had a few different constitutions with the latest being from 1996 which established a second house of parliament in the attempt to decentralize the national government. The constitution sets up the country into 10 semi-autonomous regions lead by a governor that is appointed by the president.

The security and stability of Cameroon has faced turmoil and uncertainties before and now in the north Boko Haram, the terrorist group from Nigeria, is threatening the peace once again. We can only wait and see if the stability of Cameroon will last or will the threat of Islam or other political forces change the narrative. 

References

1.   Reader, John. “Africa: A Biography of the Continent. (Alfred A. Knopf, Inc., NY, 1998), 667.