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Sub Saharan Africa

Cameroon

 Flag of Cameroon

Map of Cameroon Last reviewed: 7 January 2008

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HISTORY

Modern Cameroon was created as the German protectorate of Kamerun in 1884. In 1919, under League of Nations Mandates, France was awarded administration of Eastern Cameroon, and Britain Northern and Southern Cameroons. These mandates were converted in 1946 to UN Trusteeships. In 1960, French administered Cameroun became independent and Ahmadou Ahidjo was elected as President. In February 1961 the populations of British administered Cameroons were asked to decide their future in a UN organised plebiscite. While the territory of Northern Cameroon voted to join Nigeria, the population of Southern Cameroon voted to join the newly independent Republic of Cameroon. Cameroon thereby became a federal republic encompassing East Cameroon (the former French territory) and West Cameroon (the former British territory). In 1972, following a referendum in West Cameroon, the Cameroon’s became a unitary state, the United Republic of Cameroon.

Ahidjo made Cameroon a one-party state in 1966, following a major rebellion in the centre of the country, and concentrated power in presidential hands. In 1982 he resigned on grounds of ill health, handing power over to his Prime Minister Paul Biya, but retaining chairmanship of the ruling party, the National Union of Cameroon. A power struggle ensued between the 2 men. In 1984, factions of the army seen as close to Ahidjo staged a coup. Biya survived, and later reasserted control over the army and ruling party, stating his intention to reform and reinvigorate Cameroonian politics and the omnipresent Cameroonian state. The ruling party’s name was changed to the Cameroonian People’s Democratic Movement. In 1990, in response to domestic and international pressure, Biya approved the introduction of a multi-party system.

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Contacts

Cameroon

Address:

High Commission for the Republic of Cameroon
84 Holland Park
London
W11 3SB

Telephone:

(020) 7727 0771

Fax:

(020) 7792 9353

Email: hicom@cameroonhicom.co.uk

Office hours:

Mon–Fri: 0900–1600

Website: www.cameroonhicom.co.uk