France’s Involvement in Cameroon’s Decolonization: Historians Reveal Unseen History

A newly released report by a team of French and Cameroonian historians has revealed that France waged a war marked by “extreme violence” in Cameroon during the late 1950s. The comprehensive study, exceeding 1,000 pages, provides a detailed account of France’s role in suppressing independence movements and opposition groups both before and after Cameroon officially gained independence.

According to AFP, the report, compiled by 14 historians, investigates events between 1945 and 1971, shedding light on a largely overlooked and forgotten chapter of history. The findings were presented to Cameroonian President Paul Biya in Yaoundé on Tuesday, following their delivery to French President Emmanuel Macron a week earlier.

This study aims to confront France’s colonial legacy in Cameroon and contribute to historical reconciliation. By documenting the severity of the conflict and the repression faced by independence activists, the report seeks to provide a more transparent narrative of this period, urging further discussions on historical accountability.

N.A