By OKOI OBONO-OBLA

A closer examination of the colonial agreements, political struggles, and constitutional developments that ultimately led Southern Cameroons to sever administrative ties with Nigeria and join the Republic of Cameroun in 1961.

Southern Cameroons: The Historical Journey from Colonial Partition to Union with Cameroun

The Berlin Conference & Africa’s Partition

THE story of Southern Cameroons cannot be understood without revisiting one of the most consequential gatherings in African history—the Berlin Conference of 1884–1885. Convened by German Chancellor Otto von Bismarck, the meeting brought together major European powers seeking to formalize their territorial ambitions across Africa.

Driven by industrial expansion, competition for raw materials, and the search for new markets, European governments sought to prevent conflicts among themselves by negotiating spheres of influence on the African continent. The conference ultimately accelerated the partition of Africa, drawing colonial boundaries with little regard for indigenous political systems, ethnic affiliations, or historical realities.

Among the territories allocated during this process was Cameroon, which became a German colony. German rule would continue until the end of the First World War, when global political realignments dramatically altered the fate of the territory.

Germany’s Defeat & the Reconfiguration of Cameroon

The outbreak of the First World War in 1914 transformed international politics and colonial administration. Germany’s defeat resulted in the loss of its overseas possessions under arrangements established by the post-war settlement.

Under the League of Nations mandate system, former German colonies were redistributed among victorious Allied powers. Cameroon was divided into two distinct administrative zones. France assumed control of the larger eastern section, while Britain took responsibility for the western strip that became known as Southern Cameroons and Northern Cameroons.

Rather than administering Southern Cameroons as a separate colony, Britain attached it to Nigeria and governed it through the Eastern Region. This arrangement reflected Britain’s preference for indirect rule and cost-efficient administration.

The policy created close political and economic links between Southern Cameroons and Nigeria. Communities in Southern Cameroons shared cultural and ethnic ties with groups in present-day southeastern Nigeria, including the Ejagham, Efik, Oron, and Ibibio peoples.

Yet beneath these connections, questions about political representation and self-determination continued to grow.

Political Representation & Emerging Discontent

By the early 1950s, Southern Cameroons had become increasingly involved in regional politics within Eastern Nigeria.

In 1951, thirteen representatives from Southern Cameroons served in the Eastern Nigerian House of Assembly in Enugu. Among the prominent figures were Dr. Emmanuel Mbela Lifafa Endeley, John Ngu Foncha, Solomon Tandeng Muna, and Rev. J. C. Kangsen.

However, developments within Eastern Nigeria soon exposed underlying tensions regarding political influence and regional identity.

A major political controversy emerged following the failed attempt of Nnamdi Azikiwe to become Premier of Western Nigeria. After returning to Eastern Nigeria, efforts to reposition him within the region’s political leadership sparked dissatisfaction among representatives from minority areas, particularly Calabar, Ogoja, and Rivers provinces.

The resulting political upheaval raised concerns among Southern Cameroons leaders about their own long-term future within Nigeria’s political structure. Many feared that minority interests could be overshadowed by larger regional forces.

These anxieties strengthened calls for greater autonomy.

Constitutional Reforms & the Birth of Self-Government

Political pressure eventually led to constitutional changes that transformed the status of Southern Cameroons.

The Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 marked a turning point by granting the territory autonomous status. Southern Cameroons was separated from Nigeria’s Eastern Region and established its own regional government headquartered in Buea.

For many political leaders, the development represented an important step toward self-determination. It provided local institutions greater authority over governance while allowing Southern Cameroons to define its political future more independently.

Yet autonomy did not resolve the larger question confronting the territory: what would happen when colonial rule finally ended?

The Plebiscite That Changed History

As decolonization accelerated across Africa, the United Nations sought a permanent solution for the future of British-administered Cameroons.

On 11 February 1961, a plebiscite was organized to determine the political destiny of both Northern and Southern Cameroons.

Voters were presented with two options: integration with Nigeria or union with the independent Republic of Cameroun.

The outcomes reflected differing political and cultural realities within the two territories. Northern Cameroons voted to remain part of Nigeria. Southern Cameroons chose to join the Republic of Cameroun.

The decision fundamentally altered the region’s trajectory and ended decades of British administration linked to Nigeria.

A Legacy That Continues to Shape Contemporary Politics

The union of Southern Cameroons with Cameroun in 1961 remains one of the most debated political decisions in Central African history.

Supporters viewed it as a pathway toward African unity and independence. Critics later argued that expectations surrounding autonomy and equal partnership were not fully realized.

More than six decades later, questions about governance, identity, federalism, and self-determination continue to influence political discourse within Cameroon.

The history of Southern Cameroons demonstrates how colonial decisions, constitutional reforms, and competing visions of nationhood shaped the destiny of an entire region. It also serves as a reminder that the borders and political arrangements inherited from colonial rule continue to affect African states long after independence.