By Hans Ngala
Cameroon’s national anthem, “Chant de Ralliement” (“The Rallying Cry”), holds profound historical, cultural, and political significance for Cameroonians. It is a powerful symbol of unity, pride, and identity for the Cameroonian people. Yet, the origins of this anthem, along with the political contexts in which it emerged, remain an often-overlooked chapter in the history of Cameroon. Understanding the anthem’s origins, particularly its creation in 1928 and subsequent adaptations over the years, is essential for understanding the complexities of Cameroon’s national identity, especially in the context of the ongoing Anglophone Crisis. This crisis—rooted in the historical divide between English-speaking and French-speaking Cameroon—underscores the relevance of remembering the anthem’s multifaceted history.
Origins of Cameroon’s Anthem
The national anthem of Cameroon, “Chant de Ralliement,” was composed in 1928 by three students at the École Normale of Foulassi: René Jam Afame, Samuel Minkio Bamba, and Moïse Nyatte Nko’o. These three young men were part of the rising intellectual elite in French Cameroon during the colonial era. The anthem was composed during a time of deep political and cultural change, when colonialism had firmly entrenched the idea of a divided Cameroonian identity. Both French and British imperial powers had their grips on different parts of the country, leading to a bifurcation in the cultural and political life of Cameroon that persists to this day.
The anthem’s lyrics, written in French, were designed to rally the people of French Cameroon to the cause of independence. Its lyrics speak to the desire for unity, pride in the nation’s heritage, and a call to action against oppression. The choice of words—such as “O Cameroon, Cradle of our Forefathers”—evokes a sense of deep ancestral connection, linking the people of Cameroon to their forebears and their enduring legacy. The anthem was crafted in such a way that it could be both a cultural rallying cry and a symbol of national pride, even though it was composed under colonial rule.
Originally used unofficially in French Cameroon from 1948, the anthem began to gain prominence as the independence movement grew. It was adopted as the official anthem of French Cameroon in 1957, a pivotal moment as the country began to march toward independence from France. In 1960, upon the formal independence of French Cameroon, the anthem became the official national anthem of the newly sovereign nation.
The Significance of the Anthem’s Evolution
The anthem’s evolution over time reflects the changing political and social landscape of Cameroon. After Cameroon’s independence in 1960, the country sought to integrate two distinct linguistic and cultural groups: the French-speaking majority and the English-speaking minority. This integration was never smooth, and the political tensions between these two groups have come to the forefront in the ongoing Anglophone Crisis, which began in earnest in 2016.
In 1961, after the former British Southern Cameroons (a British mandate territory) joined the Republic of Cameroon, an English version of the anthem was written by Professor Bernard Nsokika Fonlon, a prominent intellectual and writer. This was a critical moment in Cameroon’s history, as it reflected the formal incorporation of the Anglophone regions into the nation-state. However, the adoption of an English version of the anthem did not erase the underlying tensions between the two communities. In fact, it highlighted the need for a more inclusive national identity that could bridge the gap between French and English speakers.
In 1970, the French lyrics of the anthem were altered to remove certain references that were seen as problematic, such as “barbarie” (barbarism) and “sauvagerie” (savagery). Terms which had been directed at the indigenous people by colonial powers, were now seen as offensive and no longer appropriate in the post-independence context. The changes to the anthem reflected Cameroon’s attempt to reshape its identity in a way that acknowledged its history of colonization while also positioning itself as a modern and unified nation-state.
The changes to the anthem’s lyrics were part of a broader effort to reconcile the country’s colonial past with its aspirations for unity and development. However, despite these efforts, the divisions between the French-speaking majority and the English-speaking minority remained. These divisions would later manifest in the form of the Anglophone Crisis, a conflict that continues to shape the political landscape of Cameroon today.
The Anglophone Crisis and the Anthem’s Role
The Anglophone Crisis, which began in earnest in 2016, is a stark reminder of the deep-seated divisions within Cameroon. It stems from longstanding grievances in the English-speaking regions of the country, particularly with regard to issues of political marginalization, cultural erasure, and the lack of equal representation in the government. Anglophone Cameroonians have long felt excluded from the political, economic, and social life of the country, despite their contributions to the nation’s development.
The crisis intensified after protests by teachers and lawyers in the Anglophone regions were met with a violent crackdown by the government. This sparked a broader movement calling for greater autonomy for the Anglophone regions or, in some cases, for outright secession. The conflict has escalated into a full-blown humanitarian crisis, with thousands of deaths and hundreds of thousands of displaced persons.
In the context of the Anglophone Crisis, the national anthem takes on a particularly poignant significance. For many Anglophone Cameroonians, the anthem represents a symbol of a country that has failed to live up to its promises of unity and equality. The anthem, which was meant to unify the nation and foster a sense of pride, has become a point of contention for those who feel that their voices have been silenced in the national discourse. The lack of representation of English-speaking Cameroonians in the national anthem’s history, and the broader political system, is a key factor in the crisis.
Furthermore, the anthem’s French-language origins highlight the dominance of the Francophone community in Cameroon’s post-independence political life. Despite the creation of an English version of the anthem in 1961, the continued prominence of French in government, education, and the media has contributed to a sense of alienation among English-speaking Cameroonians. This linguistic divide has fueled calls for greater autonomy or independence, as many in the Anglophone regions feel that their culture and identity are being marginalized.
The Importance of Recalling the Anthem’s Origins
Given the ongoing Anglophone Crisis, it is more important than ever to recall the origins of Cameroon’s national anthem. The anthem’s history reflects the complexities of the country’s colonial past and the challenges of forging a unified national identity in a post-colonial context. By examining the anthem’s origins and the subsequent adaptations, we can gain insight into the deep-seated divisions within Cameroon and the difficulties of reconciling the country’s dual linguistic and cultural heritage.
The anthem serves as a reminder of the aspirations of the founding fathers of Cameroon, who sought to build a united, independent nation. However, it also highlights the failure of the post-independence government to adequately address the concerns of the English-speaking population. As the country continues to grapple with the Anglophone Crisis, the anthem serves as both a symbol of hope and a reminder of the work that remains to be done in creating a truly inclusive Cameroon.
In conclusion, Cameroon’s national anthem is not merely a song; it is a reflection of the nation’s history, struggles, and aspirations. Its origins and evolution are deeply intertwined with the political and cultural dynamics of the country, and its significance cannot be fully understood without considering the broader context in which it was created. As Cameroon continues to navigate the challenges of national unity, it is crucial to remember the forgotten story behind the anthem, for in doing so, we can better understand the path forward for this complex and diverse nation in West-Central Africa.
