The Colonial Partition Dividing Cameroon: A Lasting Legacy of Conflict
The colonial partition of Cameroon remains one of the country’s most profound legacies, an artificial boundary that continues to influence conflicts and tensions today. The history of Cameroon’s division dates back to the Berlin Conference in 1884 when European powers decided to carve up the African continent without any consideration for the people who lived there.
This act of partition, which split Cameroon between Germany, Britain, and France, has left deep scars in the country’s cultural, linguistic, and political landscape. The partition of Cameroon is at the heart of the ongoing struggles between Anglophone and Francophone communities, particularly in the northwest and southwest regions, where the consequences of this division are still very much felt.
The partition of Cameroon by European powers came with great upheaval for the local populations. For many communities, this division severed long-established ties, creating cultural and linguistic divides that persist today. For some, this division became more than just geographical—it led to cultural and social alienation, with Anglophone and Francophone regions developing divergent identities.
The legacy of this colonial partition is visible in the ongoing conflict between separatists in the Anglophone regions and the state-armed forces, a conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and displaced hundreds of thousands.
The History of Cameroon’s Partition
Cameroon’s colonial history began under German rule after the 1884 Berlin Conference. The German Empire established control over Cameroon, naming it Kamerun, and ruled it until World War I. However, after the war and Germany’s defeat, the colonial territory was divided between France and Britain. France took the larger portion of the country, while Britain received a smaller mandate, which was later split into two parts, the British Cameroons. This division created the foundation for the linguistic and cultural differences that would haunt the country in the years to come.
The colonial partition of Cameroon was marked by a lack of consideration for the existing ethnic and cultural communities. As Professor Paul Nchoji Nkwi, a retired African anthropology professor, points out, the Europeans drew arbitrary lines that ignored the region’s natural borders, splitting tribes and families.
The result was a divided population, with cultural, linguistic, and familial bonds severed by the new boundaries. This dislocation disrupted established social and economic patterns, and its effects are still visible today. The partition, driven by European powers’ interests, created an environment of division that was only exacerbated by the differing systems of governance introduced by the French and British colonial regimes.
The Lingering Impact of Colonial Division
The colonial partition of Cameroon’s territories has been a source of conflict for many years. The split between Anglophone and Francophone regions created lasting tensions, with the Anglophone population feeling marginalized within the broader, French-dominated political system. The two regions, though united post-independence, remained culturally and linguistically distinct.
As the country’s political and economic landscape developed, this division deepened. The English-speaking communities in the northwest and southwest of Cameroon often felt sidelined by the French-speaking majority, leading to increasing resentment and demands for greater autonomy.
In recent years, these tensions have erupted into violence, with separatist movements in the Anglophone regions calling for independence. This conflict, which began in 2016, has resulted in thousands of deaths and forced many to flee their homes. The situation is a stark reminder of how the colonial partition of Cameroon still shapes the country’s present. While some may argue that the solution lies in political reforms or increased autonomy for the Anglophone regions, others believe that true peace will only come with a return to the federal system that existed prior to 1972.
The Call for Reparations and Reconciliation
As Cameroon grapples with the divisions caused by colonial rule, many scholars and activists have called for reparations for the damage caused by European powers. Joseph Takougang, a professor of African history at the University of Cincinnati, argues that the arbitrary borders drawn by the Europeans have caused immense harm to Africa, including Cameroon.
According to Takougang, if it weren’t for the colonial partition, Cameroon would likely have developed into a more unified state. He suggests that the African continent as a whole might have evolved differently had it been allowed to develop its own governance structures, free from the constraints of colonial-imposed boundaries.
Takougang believes that a return to the pre-1972 federal system could offer a path to peace in Cameroon. This federal structure recognized the distinct identities of both the Anglophone and Francophone regions, allowing each to govern itself while remaining part of a unified state. However, the current political climate in Cameroon has made it difficult to reconcile these differences.
The cultural divide between the two communities remains entrenched, and the scars left by the colonial partition continue to shape the country’s political discourse.
The Ongoing Struggle for Identity
For communities like the Elung clan, which remains divided along the Picot Line, the consequences of the colonial partition are deeply felt. The village of Muangwekan, which sits on the border between the Anglophone and Francophone regions, has become a focal point of this struggle. Traditional leaders like Chief Atabe Emmanuel Ndonjume are deeply concerned about proposals to transfer the village to the French-speaking region, which they feel would erase their cultural identity.
The village, which has long been part of the English-speaking region, has a rich history tied to the British colonial era. Chief Atabe and others view the proposed shift as a direct threat to their heritage and a continuation of the colonial legacy that divided their community in the first place.
Despite the challenges posed by the colonial partition, many communities in Cameroon remain resilient. The ties that bind people across the Anglophone-Francophone divide are still strong, and there is hope that unity can be restored. While the legacy of colonialism continues to shape the political and cultural landscape of Cameroon, there is a growing recognition that reconciliation will only come through honest dialogue and mutual understanding.
As the conflict continues, the call for peace and unity grows louder, with many hoping for a future where Cameroon can move past its colonial past.
Unity Through Dialogue
The way forward for Cameroon is undoubtedly complex, but it begins with acknowledging the reality of the colonial partition and its lasting impact. Both Anglophone and Francophone communities must recognize their shared history and work toward healing the wounds created by centuries of division. As scholars like Takougang and Nkwi suggest, the future of Cameroon hinges on genuine dialogue and a willingness to address the injustices of the past. Only through an inclusive and respectful conversation can the country hope to overcome the divisions that have held it back for so long.
The partition of Cameroon may have been drawn up by European powers, but it is the responsibility of the Cameroonian people to determine their future. Whether through political reform, cultural reconciliation, or a return to a more federal system, the hope is that one day, Cameroon can heal the divisions caused by its colonial past. For elders like Atemafac Anathasia Tanjuh, who lived through the turmoil of the colonial era, the dream of peace and unity remains alive. Despite the challenges, they believe that one day, Cameroon will overcome the legacy of the colonial partition and reunite its people.
