Historical Encyclopedia
The state system of Cameroon has gone through several stages of evolution, starting from the colonial rule period, transitioning through independence, and up to the modern political system that exists in the country today. The evolution of Cameroon's political structure reflects changes in its domestic and foreign policy, as well as responses to the challenges faced by the state at different historical stages. The history of Cameroon's state system is linked to significant events such as the struggle for independence, the transition from a federal model to a unitary state, and the establishment of an authoritarian regime at the end of the 20th century.
Before Cameroon became an independent state, its territory was the subject of colonial interests from various European countries. From 1884, Cameroon was under the control of the German Empire, becoming its colony. After Germany's defeat in World War I, in 1919, the territory was divided between France and the United Kingdom. The French part of Cameroon, which became larger, was under French control, while the British part was divided into two regions, including one on the coast and the other in the northern part of the country. During the colonial period, the local population had no political rights and was subjected to colonial authorities, which later influenced the formation of political sentiments and the desire for independence.
The Cameroonian struggle for independence began in the mid-20th century when various nationalist movements actively opposed French and British rule. In 1949, the Cameroon National Party was established, calling for independence and political reform. In 1955, the first protests and strikes began, demanding more rights for local residents. These events led to rising tensions and increasing political activity in Cameroon.
Independence was proclaimed on January 1, 1960, when Cameroon became an independent state. Ahmadou Ahidjo was elected as the first president, leading the country at the beginning of its independent existence. Cameroon became one of the first African states to gain independence in the post-war period, which was significant both for the country itself and for the whole of Africa.
After gaining independence in 1960, Cameroon became a federal state consisting of two parts — French-speaking and English-speaking Cameroon. The Cameroon Federation was established in 1961 when the British part of Cameroon merged with the French part. This federal structure had its peculiarities and provided a certain degree of autonomy for the English-speaking regions.
The first Constitution of Cameroon, adopted in 1961, provided a democratic basis for the state structure and prescribed the separation of powers. However, despite the democratic mechanisms, a tendency towards strengthening centralized power became apparent at this stage, laying the foundation for more authoritarian governance in the future.
In 1972, Cameroon adopted a new Constitution that transformed the country from a federal state into a unitary one. The 1972 Constitution established the United Republic of Cameroon, eliminating the federal system. This change was a result of political stabilization, but also an attempt by the central government to strengthen control over all regions. The consolidated power allowed President Ahmadou Ahidjo to govern the country more effectively but led to tensions between the French- and English-speaking regions, as English-speaking citizens began to feel oppressed.
Under Ahidjo, a number of significant political and economic reforms were implemented that contributed to infrastructure growth, the establishment of a stable economy, and political order. Nevertheless, the political system continued to remain authoritarian, and opposition forces faced repression.
After Ahmadou Ahidjo's resignation in 1982, Paul Biya became the President of Cameroon. His rule began with promises to improve the political situation in the country, but over time Biya's government became symbolic of authoritarianism. Biya stabilized the political system, but at the same time demonstrated a lack of real reforms aimed at democratizing the political life of Cameroon.
In the early 1990s, as democratic processes gained popularity in Africa, protests and demands for reform also began in Cameroon. In response, Biya adopted a constitution in 1991 that officially permitted multi-party politics, but all major levers of power remained in the hands of the president. This undermined trust in the political processes in the country and drew criticism both domestically and internationally.
The modern political system of Cameroon continues to be strong and centralized, with a president who holds extensive powers. The constitution, adopted in 1996 as an important step, defines Cameroon as a unitary republic with the president as the head of state and the executive branch. However, presidential elections are often criticized for their lack of competition and violations of the principles of democratic processes.
Existing political and social issues, including corruption, human rights concerns, as well as ethnic and linguistic tensions, remain important matters for the country. In 2008, amendments were made to the constitution allowing Paul Biya to run for another term, which drew international criticism and concerns regarding long-term power in the country.
The evolution of Cameroon's state system is a complex process, wherein achievements in political and social spheres are accompanied by deep-rooted problems. Despite years of efforts to build a stable and democratic state, Cameroon continues to face challenges related to strengthening democracy, human rights, and social justice. Issues related to authoritarianism and many aspects of state structure remain on the agenda, and the future of the country's political system will depend on whether the authorities can meet the demands of society and ensure genuine political transformation.