By RFIPosted on 01-01-2020Modified on 01-01-2020 at 05:00

Sixty years ago, on January 1, 1960, Cameroon officially gained independence. The country was the first of the fourteen French colonies to open the ball of independence.

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Cameroon is the first of the seventeen African countries which will gain their independence in 1960. It is Ahmadou Ahidjo, the first Prime Minister, who officially announces the end of French tutelage over his country. A much more complex independence, since France has no intention of letting Cameroon emancipate itself from its tutelage.

Indeed, the new Cameroonian authorities are linked, very closely, to French power. And they want to organize for this proclamation of independence large festivities, with the visit of distinguished guests, popular demonstrations, but the atmosphere is not there. The atmosphere is not at the party.

And this first January 1960 really has a double face in Cameroon . There is the mask of a festive, solemn independence. Many international guests have been invited. Big celebrations were planned across the country for three days: parades, popular meals, sports competitions. And then behind this mask, there is indeed concern, insecurity and a continuing struggle between the separatists of the UPC and the power of Ahmadou Ahidjo closely associated with France.

A failed double independence

On December 30, the Mboppi camp in Douala was attacked by several hundred insurgents who killed two European gendarmes. A few hours before independence there are raids in the districts of Mokolo and the Briqueterie in the heart of the capital Yaoundé, raids which will give rise to repressive actions even as the Independence Days are in full swing in other neighborhoods.

The other point, which is also particularly important, is that when we have mentioned Cameroon so far, we are only talking about the part of the territory administered by France. But we omit the whole of the United Kingdom's guardianship part: the English-speaking regions of the country. Besides, it will take several months for this reunification to take place. And again, this is not going to happen without pain.

Sixty years later, there is still not enough to appease all the spirits. All the more so because, on top of this independence, or even these two missed independence, the economic and social situation of Cameroon has deteriorated.

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