Colonial History Report :Paul Biya urges Cameroonians to foster reconciliation with France
By Synthia Lateu
Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has received a report detailing the role of former colonial power France in suppressing nationalist movements in Cameroon from 1945 to 1971. The report was presented by a joint delegation of French and Cameroonian researchers today, January 28 in Yaoundé. This initiative follows a decision made in July 2022 by both nations.
The resulting 1,000-page document provides an in-depth account of France’s involvement in the struggle against independence and opposition movements during this period.
During the presentation of the findings in Yaoundé, Biya praised the committee for their remarkable research, which brings together facts essential for the triumph of truth. He urged Cameroonians to establish a new relationship with France, one that is free from misunderstanding and suspicion.
The president expressed that it is with deep emotion and sadness that Cameroonians confront the narratives of their history from 1945 to 1971. He emphasized that the goal of assembling this delegation of researchers was to break a long-standing taboo, allowing for a renewed relationship between France and Cameroon.
Biya acknowledged the sense of duty, courage, selflessness, and tenacity exhibited by the co-presidents and members of the delegation. He noted that the selection of the commission members was based on their quality, independence of thought, and passion for history, beyond their nationality.
He further stated that this grassroots effort would help the people better accept themselves, highlighting the necessity of recognizing the crossroads between France and Cameroon—two friendly nations with complex and multifaceted relations. The work offers perspectives for further research in the quest for truth, which, he noted, will impact future generations by enabling them to better understand their history and project their future.
This meeting with President Biya followed the delegation’s presentation of the report to French President Emmanuel Macron on January 21 in Paris. The report was authored by seven Cameroonian and seven French researchers who collected data from living witnesses of the French suppression of Cameroonian opposition leaders during the pre- and post-independence eras.
For decades, Cameroonians, particularly those of Bamilike and Bassa descent, have been advocating for reparations from France, citing the atrocities committed during the UPC’s fierce resistance, which resulted in thousands of deaths and widespread destruction.
However, the dark and painful history recounted by this Franco-Cameroonian commission has been met with skepticism by some Pan-Africanists and historians, who argue that France’s involvement in drafting this report undermines its credibility.
