Members of Cameroon's Republican Guard unsuccessfully attempt to overthrow the government headed by Paul Biya.

Cameroon, officially known as the Republic of Cameroon, is a fascinating country situated in west-central Africa. Its strategic geographical position places it at the crossroads between the vibrant cultures and landscapes of West and Central Africa, leading to its identification with both regions. To its west and north, it shares a border with Nigeria; to the northeast, it meets Chad; the Central African Republic lies to its east; and to the south, it is bordered by Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo. The nation's coastline gently graces the Bight of Biafra, which forms a part of the expansive Gulf of Guinea and ultimately the Atlantic Ocean.

Home to nearly 25 million people, Cameroon boasts an extraordinary linguistic diversity, with its citizens speaking an impressive array of approximately 250 native languages. This rich tapestry of tongues is just one facet of the country's profound cultural wealth.

A Journey Through Time: Cameroon's History

The history of the territory now known as Cameroon stretches back millennia. Early inhabitants included the advanced Sao civilization, whose settlements thrived around the shores of Lake Chad, and the agile Baka hunter-gatherers, who traversed the lush southeastern rainforests. It was in the 15th century that Portuguese explorers first reached the Cameroonian coast, captivated by the abundance of ghost shrimp in the local rivers. They christened the area "Rio dos Camarões," meaning "Shrimp River," a name that eventually evolved into "Cameroon" in English, reflecting this early European encounter.

As centuries passed, various powerful entities emerged across the land. In the 19th century, Fulani soldiers established the influential Adamawa Emirate in the northern reaches, leaving a significant cultural and political legacy. Concurrently, diverse ethnic groups in the west and northwest developed their own sophisticated political structures, forming powerful chiefdoms and fondoms that continue to hold cultural significance today.

The late 19th century ushered in the colonial era. In 1884, Cameroon became a German colony, known as Kamerun. This period, however, was relatively short-lived. Following Germany's defeat in World War I, Kamerun was divided between France and the United Kingdom, administered as League of Nations mandates. This division laid the groundwork for the future linguistic and political distinctions within the country.

In the mid-20th century, a powerful desire for self-determination began to surge. The Union des Populations du Cameroun (UPC) political party emerged as a prominent voice advocating for independence. However, its activities were outlawed by France in the 1950s, leading to a protracted national liberation insurgency. This conflict, a bitter struggle for independence, pitted French forces against UPC militants and continued until early 1971.

Independence finally arrived for the French-administered part of Cameroon in 1960, establishing itself as the Republic of Cameroun under its first president, Ahmadou Ahidjo. The English-speaking southern part of British Cameroons then federated with it in 1961, forming the Federal Republic of Cameroon. This federation, however, proved to be a temporary arrangement and was abandoned in 1972. Consequently, the country was first renamed the United Republic of Cameroon in 1972, and then simply the Republic of Cameroon in 1984, reflecting its unitary structure.

Governance, Society, and the Anglophone Crisis

Today, Cameroon operates as a unitary presidential republic. Its political landscape has been largely defined by the long tenure of its current president, Paul Biya, who has led the nation since 1982 following President Ahidjo's resignation. Prior to assuming the presidency, Mr. Biya served as Prime Minister from 1975, accumulating extensive experience in government.

The legacy of its colonial past is evident in Cameroon's official languages: French and English, which correspond to the former French Cameroons and British Cameroons, respectively. While the majority of Cameroonians practice Christianity, there is a significant and vibrant Muslim minority, and many others continue to honor and follow traditional indigenous faiths, contributing to the nation's rich spiritual mosaic.

However, the linguistic and historical divisions have not always been harmonious. The English-speaking territories, particularly the Northwest and Southwest Regions, have experienced considerable political and social tensions. Politicians from these regions have often advocated for greater decentralization of power, or even complete separation and independence, as championed by groups like the Southern Cameroons National Council. These underlying tensions tragically escalated into open warfare in 2017, driven by aspirations for the creation of an independent Ambazonian state in these English-speaking territories, a conflict that continues to pose significant challenges to national unity.

"Africa in Miniature": Diversity and Economy

Cameroon is affectionately and aptly known as "Africa in miniature" due to its astonishing geological, linguistic, and cultural diversity. This moniker reflects a country that encapsulates the vastness and variety of the African continent within its own borders. Its natural features are breathtakingly diverse, encompassing sun-kissed beaches along its coast, arid deserts in the north, towering mountains, dense tropical rainforests, and sprawling savannas. Dominating its southwestern landscape is Mount Cameroon, an active volcano and the country's highest point, reaching an impressive altitude of almost 4,100 metres (13,500 ft).

Economically, a large proportion of Cameroonians live as subsistence farmers, cultivating the land to sustain themselves and their families. The nation's urban centers serve as vital hubs for commerce and governance. Douala, situated on the Wouri River, stands as the country's economic capital and its primary seaport, a bustling gateway for trade. Yaoundé holds the distinction of being the political capital, the seat of government. Other significant cities include Garoua, located in the northern region.

Culturally, Cameroon is renowned for its vibrant native music styles, with Makossa and Bikutsi being particularly popular and influential both domestically and internationally. The country also takes immense pride in its successful national football team, the "Indomitable Lions," which has brought much glory and recognition to the nation on the global stage. As a responsible member of the international community, Cameroon is actively involved in numerous global and regional organizations, including the African Union, the United Nations, the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), the Commonwealth of Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, reflecting its diverse diplomatic engagements.

President Paul Biya: A Decades-Long Tenure

Born Paul Barthlemy Biya'a bi Mvondo on 13 February 1933, Paul Biya is a Cameroonian politician who has held the highest office in the nation, serving as the President of Cameroon since 6 November 1982. His tenure is remarkable, making him the second-longest-ruling president in Africa, the oldest head of state on the continent, and notably, the longest-ruling non-royal leader in the world, a testament to his enduring presence in global politics.

President Biya's rise to power began in the 1960s, where he quickly ascended through the bureaucratic ranks under the leadership of President Ahmadou Ahidjo. He served as Secretary-General of the Presidency from 1968 to 1975, a pivotal role in the administration. Following this, he was appointed Prime Minister of Cameroon, holding that position from 1975 until 1982. It was upon President Ahidjo's surprising resignation in 1982 that Paul Biya seamlessly succeeded him as president, marking a new chapter in Cameroon's political history.

Early in his presidency, Biya moved to consolidate his power, a process highlighted by a "staged attempted coup" between 1983 and 1984, through which he effectively eliminated his major political rivals and solidified his control over the state apparatus. In the 1980s, he introduced political reforms within the prevailing one-party system. However, facing significant domestic and international pressure, he later accepted the introduction of multiparty politics in the early 1990s, ushering in a new era of political pluralism, albeit one with persistent challenges.

His electoral record, however, has been a source of considerable debate and controversy. He won the contentious 1992 presidential election with a plural, single-ballot vote of 40%. Subsequently, he secured re-election by what were reported as large margins in 1997, 2004, 2011, and 2018. Yet, on each of these occasions, opposition politicians and various Western governments have consistently alleged widespread voting irregularities and electoral fraud. Furthermore, numerous independent sources have presented compelling evidence suggesting that he did not genuinely win the 1992 elections and that subsequent polls were marred by rampant fraud, raising serious questions about the integrity of the electoral process in Cameroon.

Internationally, President Biya's regime receives significant support from France, the former colonial power in Cameroon. This support includes the supply of weapons and the training of its military forces, underscoring a continued strategic relationship. France also stands as the leading foreign investor in Cameroon, surpassing even the United States in economic engagement, reflecting its deep and multifaceted ties with the nation.

FAQs About Cameroon

What does the name "Cameroon" mean?
The name "Cameroon" originates from the Portuguese phrase "Rio dos Camarões," which translates to "Shrimp River." This name was given by Portuguese explorers in the 15th century due to the abundance of shrimp in the coastal rivers.
Why is Cameroon often called "Africa in miniature"?
Cameroon is known as "Africa in miniature" because it encompasses an incredible diversity of geographical features, climates, ethnic groups, languages, and cultures found across the broader African continent, all within its own borders. From beaches and rainforests to mountains, savannas, and deserts, it truly reflects the continent's variety.
What are the official languages of Cameroon?
The official languages of Cameroon are French and English. This dual linguistic heritage is a direct result of its colonial history, having been a mandate territory divided between France and the United Kingdom after World War I.
What is the Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon?
The Anglophone Crisis is an ongoing socio-political conflict primarily in Cameroon's two English-speaking regions (Northwest and Southwest). It stems from long-standing grievances by the Anglophone minority who feel marginalized by the Francophone-dominated central government. Tensions escalated into open warfare in 2017 with calls for greater autonomy or outright independence, leading to the formation of separatist groups aiming for an independent "Ambazonian" state.
Who is the current President of Cameroon?
The current President of Cameroon is Paul Biya.
How long has Paul Biya been president of Cameroon?
Paul Biya has served as the President of Cameroon since November 6, 1982, making his tenure one of the longest in the world for a non-royal leader.
What type of government does Cameroon have?
Cameroon is governed as a unitary presidential republic.