Cameroon

Introduction

Cameroon, the official name of which is the Republic of Cameroon, is a state in Central Africa. It has borders with Nigeria to the north and west, Chad to the northeast, the Central African Republic to the east, and Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo to the south. Its coastline runs on the Bight of Biafra, one of the arms of the Gulf of Guinea, and the Atlantic Ocean. Because of its geographical location at the intersection between Central Africa and West Africa, it has been placed in both categories.

The country’s population of close to 31 million speak 250 indigenous languages, aside from the national languages English and French, or both. Some of the earliest inhabitants of the region were the Sao civilisation near Lake Chad and the Baka pygmy hunter-gatherers in the rainforest of the southeastern region. Portuguese explorers arrived along the coast during the 15th century and referred to the region as Rio dos Camarões (Shrimp River), that was later to be known as Cameroon in English. Fulani troops established the Adamawa Emirate in the north during the 19th century, while different west and northwest ethnic groups formed influential chiefdoms and fondoms.

Cameroon’s official languages are French and English, those of former French Cameroons and British Cameroons, respectively. Christianity dominates the religion in Cameroon, though there are sizable minorities who follow Islam and indigenous religions. It has witnessed tensions from the English-speaking regions, where politicians have called for increased decentralisation and even outright separation or independence (as in the Southern Cameroons National Council).

In 2017, tensions regarding the formation of an Ambazonian state in the English-speaking regions boiled over into outright war. Great numbers of Cameroonians subsist as farmers. The nation is also known as “Africa in miniature” due to its geological, linguistic, and cultural variety. Its land features are beaches, deserts, mountains, rainforests, and savannas. The highest point of Cameroon, at nearly 4,100 meters (13,500 ft), is Mount Cameroon in the Southwest Region.

Cameroon’s largest cities are Douala on the Wouri River, its economic capital and principal seaport; Yaoundé, its political capital; and Garoua. Limbé in the southwest has a natural seaport. Cameroon is famous for its indigenous music genres, especially Makossa, Njang, and Bikutsi, and its successful national football team. It is an African Union member state, United Nations, Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie (OIF), Commonwealth of Nations, Non-Aligned Movement, and Organisation of Islamic Cooperation member state.

The origin of Cameroon

The original name for Cameroon was the exonym used by the Portuguese for the Wouri River, which they named Rio dos Camarões, ‘river of shrimps’ or ‘shrimp river’, named after the then plentiful Cameroon ghost shrimp. The country’s name today in Portuguese is still Camarões.

The past of Cameroon

Early times

Fossil evidence unearthed at the Shum Laka excavations in the Northwest Region indicates Cameroon’s human inhabitance 30,000 years ago. Most continuous inhabitants of the region include peoples like the Baka (Pygmies). From it, Bantu migrations into East, South, and Central African regions are posited to have taken place about 2,000 years ago. The Sao culture emerged along Lake Chad, circa 500 CE, and was succeeded by the Kanem and its successor state, the Bornu Empire. Kingdoms, fondoms, and chiefdoms developed in the west.

Portuguese navigators made landfall along the coast in 1472. They found plenty of ghost shrimp Lepidophthalmus turneranus in the Wouri River and gave it the name Rio dos Camarões (Shrimp River), later adopted as Cameroon by English-speaking peoples. Throughout the next few hundred years, European interests stabilised trade with people along the coast and extended to the interior with Christian missionaries.

The Bamum script, or Shu Mom, was developed for the Bamum language by Sultan Ibrahim Njoya in 1896. Today, the Bamum Scripts and Archives Project teaches it in Cameroon.

German domination

Germany started to set roots in Cameroon in 1868 when the Woermann Company of Hamburg constructed a warehouse. It was constructed on the estuary of the Wouri River. Subsequently, Gustav Nachtigal signed a treaty with one of the local kings to annex the area for the German emperor. The German Empire took the land as the colony of Kamerun in 1884 and started a gradual advance inland; the natives fought back.

Commercial companies under the umbrella of Germany were local governments. These concessions employed forced labour to operate lucrative banana, rubber, palm oil, and cocoa plantations. Even public works projects depended on a system of forced labour. This economic policy was widely condemned by the other colonial powers.

British and French domination

When Germany lost World War I, Kamerun became a League of Nations mandate territory and was divided into French Cameroon (Cameroun) and British Cameroon in 1919. France unified the economy of Cameroon with the economy of France and enhanced the infrastructure with capital investment and qualified personnel, changing the colonial forced labour system.

The British governed their own territory from nearby Nigeria. Natives grumbled that this rendered them a forgotten “colony of a colony.” Nigerian migrant workers poured into Southern Cameroons, abolishing forced labor entirely but infuriating the local natives, who felt overwhelmed. The League of Nations mandates were transformed into United Nations Trusteeships in 1946, and the issue of independence became an urgent one in French Cameroon.

France banned the pro-independence political party Union of the Peoples of Cameroon (Union des Populations du Cameroun, UPC) on 13 July 1955. This led to a prolonged guerrilla war fought by the UPC and the killing of some of the party’s figures, such as Ruben Um Nyobè, Félix-Roland Moumié, and Ernest Ouandie. In the British Cameroons, the debate was whether to rejoin French Cameroon or join Nigeria; independence was excluded by the British.

Independence

Under President Ahmadou Ahidjo, French Cameroun became the Republic of Cameroon on January 1, 1960, after gaining independence from France.

The Cameroonian Federal Republic

On 1 October 1961, the then British Southern Cameroons voted for independence from the United Kingdom through a resolution of the UN General Assembly and joined the Republic of Cameroon to become the Federal Republic of Cameroon. The federal republic consisted of two federated states, East Cameroon and West Cameroon, with each having its own government, legislature, and prime minister. The day 1 October is now marked as Unification Day, which is a national holiday. The continuing war against the UPC had served Ahidjo to consolidate power in his person as President, and he pursued this even beyond the quashing of the UPC in 1971.

Cameroon and the United Republic of Cameroon

Ahidjo’s political party, the Cameroon National Union (CNU), was made the only legal political party on 1 September 1966, and on 20 May 1972, a referendum was approved to end the federal system of government in favor of a United Republic of Cameroon, led from Yaoundé. This date is now the nation’s National Day, a public holiday. Ahidjo followed an economic policy of planned liberalism, emphasizing cash crops and petroleum development.

The government utilized oil revenues to establish a national cash reserve, compensate farmers, and fund major development projects; however, numerous projects collapsed when Ahidjo appointed unqualified allies to guide them. The national flag was modified on 20 May 1975 when the two stars were deleted and a large middle star substituted to symbolize national unity.

Ahidjo resigned on 4 November 1982 and relinquished power to his constitutional successor, Paul Biya. Yet Ahidjo still controlled the CNU and attempted to govern the nation in the background until Biya and his supporters bullied him into resigning. Biya started his presidency by progressing toward a more democratic regime, but a botched coup d’état pushed him toward his predecessor’s leadership style.

In 1987, Dja Faunal Reserve, the first World Heritage Site of Cameroon, was added to the list by UNESCO. Economic crisis came into force in the mid-1980s to late 1990s due to global economic situations, drought, declining petroleum prices, and decades of corruption, mismanagement, and cronyism. Cameroon resorted to foreign assistance, reduced government expenditure, and privatised sectors.

With the return of multi-party politics in December 1990, the former British Southern Cameroons pressure groups called for more autonomy, and the Southern Cameroons National Council called for outright secession as the Republic of Ambazonia. The 1992 Labour Code of Cameroon provides workers with the option to be members of a trade union or not to be members of any trade union whatsoever. It is the option of an employee to become a member of any trade union in his profession because there is more than one trade union in every profession.

In June 2006, negotiations regarding a border conflict over the Bakassi peninsula were concluded. The negotiations included President Paul Biya of Cameroon, then President Olusegun Obasanjo of Nigeria, and then UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, and ended with Cameroonian possession of the oil-rich peninsula. The northern part of the land was officially transferred to Cameroonian authorities in August 2006, and the rest of the peninsula was left to Cameroon two years later, in 2008. The border modification provoked a domestic separatist rebellion, as numerous Bakassians opposed Cameroonian authority. Though the majority of militants surrendered in November 2009, some continued fighting for several years.

When a transport union strike in Douala turned into violent riots in 31 municipal regions in February 2008, Cameroon had its worst violence in 15 years.

Presidents Paul Biya of Cameroon and Idriss Déby of Chad announced that they were going to confront Boko Haram in May of 2014, after the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls, and deployed soldiers to the Nigerian border. Boko Haram attacked Cameroon repeatedly, killing 84 civilians in one raid in December 2014 before suffering a disastrous blow in an attack in January 2015. Cameroon in September 2018 said that Boko Haram was defeated in Cameroonian territory.

Since November 2016, demonstrators from the largely English-speaking Northwest and Southwest regions of the nation have been agitating to maintain the usage of the English language in the courts and schools. People died, and hundreds of them were incarcerated due to the demonstrations. The government of Biya shut the regions off the Internet for three months in 2017. Separatists initiated a guerilla war for Anglophone region independence in September as the Federal Republic of Ambazonia.

The government replied with a military campaign, and the conflict expanded throughout the Northwest and Southwest. As of 2019, there is ongoing fighting between the separatist guerillas and government troops. Throughout 2020, various terrorist attacks, most of them performed without claims of responsibility, and government retaliations have resulted in violence across the country. Over 450,000 people have been displaced from their homes since 2016. Indirectly, the conflict caused an increase in Boko Haram attacks because the Cameroonian military retreated mainly from the north to concentrate on combating the Ambazonian separatists.

Following ethnic conflicts between Musgum fishermen and ethnic Arab Choa herders for water supply in December 2021, about 30,000 individuals in northern Cameroon fled to Chad.

Politics and government

The President of Cameroon is elected and makes policy, runs government agencies, commands the military, negotiates and ratifies treaties, and proclaims a state of emergency. The president appoints government officials at all levels, ranging from the prime minister (the official head of government), to the provincial governors and divisional officers. The president is elected by popular vote for every seven years. There have been 2 presidents since Cameroon gained independence.

The National Assembly legislates. The institution is composed of 180 members elected for five-year terms and convenes three times annually. Legislation is enacted on a majority vote. The 1996 constitution creates a second parliament, the Senate, with 100 seats. The government acknowledges the jurisdiction of traditional chiefs, fons, and lamibe to rule at the local level and to adjudicate disputes as long as such decisions do not run counter to national law.

Cameroon’s legal system is a combination of common law, civil law, and customary law. While ostensibly independent, the judiciary is in the power of the executive’s Ministry of Justice. Judges are appointed by the president at all levels. The judiciary is formally separated into tribunals, the court of appeal, and the supreme court. The National Assembly votes to send nine members of the High Court of Justice into office to hear the cases against senior government officials in case they are accused of high treason or national security danger.

Political culture

Cameroon is perceived as corrupt to the core at every level of government. In 1997, Cameroon created anti-corruption offices in 29 ministries, but just 25% of them were made operational, and in 2012, Transparency International ranked Cameroon at number 144 on a list of 176 nations rated from least to most corrupt. On 18 January 2006, Biya launched an anti-corruption campaign under the leadership of the National Anti-Corruption Observatory. There are a number of high corruption risk sectors in Cameroon, such as customs, the public health system, and public procurement. Nevertheless, the corruption has increased, despite the availability of anti-corruption bureaus, as Transparency International ranked Cameroon 152 out of 180 countries in 2018.

Up until December 1990, the sole recognized political party in Cameroon was President Biya’s Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM). Since then, several local political organizations have emerged. The Social Democratic Front (SDF), led by John Fru Ndi and mostly centered in the Anglophone part of the nation, is the main opposition.

Biya and his movement have held onto the presidency and the National Assembly in national polls, which the opposition claims were rigged. Rights groups claim the government stifles the freedoms of opposition forces through the banning of demonstrations, sabotaging meetings, and the arrests of opposition figures and journalists. English-speaking individuals are especially victimized; demonstrations frequently turn violent and result in killings. President Biya switched off the Internet in the English-speaking area for 94 days in 2017, at the expense of disrupting five million individuals, including Silicon Mountain startups.

According to Freedom House, Cameroon is “not free” in terms of civil freedoms and political rights. On February 9, 2020, the most recent parliamentary elections were conducted.

Foreign relations

Cameroon belongs to both La Francophonie and the Commonwealth of Nations.

Its foreign policy closely resembles that of France, one of its former colonial masters and its principal ally. Although military spending is considerable compared to other government sectors, Cameroon is primarily dependent on France for its defense.

President Biya has had a decades-long battle with Nigeria’s government for control of the oil-producing Bakassi peninsula. Cameroon and Nigeria have a 1,000-mile (1,600 km) border and have contested ownership of the Bakassi peninsula. Cameroon asked the International Court of Justice to decide the issue in 1994. The two nations tried to create a cease-fire in 1996; however, violence raged for years. In 2002, the ICJ held that the Anglo-German Agreement of 1913 conveyed sovereignty to Cameroon.

The decision ordered both nations and rejected Cameroon’s application for compensation because of long-term occupation by Nigeria. By 2004, Nigeria had not fulfilled the deadline to transfer the peninsula. A UN-facilitated summit in June 2006 agreed that Nigeria will withdraw from the area and signed the Greentree Agreement through both leaders. The withdrawal and transfer of sovereignty was finalized in August 2006.

Cameroon was one of 37 nations who sent a combined letter to the UNHRC in July 2019 supporting China’s persecution of Uyghurs in the Xinjiang area.

Military

The Armed Forces of Cameroon (French: Forces armées camerounaises, FAC) are made up of the Gendarmerie, the Cameroonian Air Force (Armée de l’Air du Cameroun, AAC), the country’s army (Armée de Terre), and its navy (Marine Nationale de la République (MNR), which includes naval infantry).

Since gaining independence in 1960, the military has played a vital role in upholding Cameroon’s authoritarian administration. Since 2014, the military has been active in fighting Boko Haram, managing the Anglophone separatist movement that started in 2017, quelling uprisings, and regulating demonstrations for democratic changes.

Human rights

Human rights groups accuse police and military personnel of ill-treating and even torturing criminal suspects, ethnic minorities, homosexuals, and political activists. United Nations statistics show that over 21,000 individuals have crossed into neighbouring countries, while 160,000 have been displaced internally by the violence, many hiding in forests, it is reported.

Jails are overcrowded with minimal access to proper food and medical facilities, and jails operated by traditional rulers in the north are tasked with detaining political opponents on behalf of the government. Yet, since the early 21st century, more and more police and gendarmes have been brought to trial for improper behavior. On 25 July 2018, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein was deeply concerned about reports of abuses and violations in the English-speaking Northwest and Southwest regions of Cameroon.

In the northwest and southwest, OCHA reports that about 1.7 million people are in need of humanitarian aid. OCHA also estimates that over 87,000 people have fled to Nigeria and that conflict in the two areas has internally displaced at least 628,000 people.

Section 347-1 of the criminal code prohibits same-sex sexual conduct and carries a punishment of six months to five years in jail.

According to Human Rights Watch, since December 2020, the Islamist militant organization Boko Haram has increased its attacks and murdered at least 80 people in Cameroon’s Far North towns and villages.

Administrative divisions

Ten semi-autonomous regions of Cameroon are separated under the constitution and are each governed by a Regional Council that is elected. A governor chosen by the president leads each area.

These leaders are responsible for carrying out the president’s directives, monitoring the mood and circumstances of the various regions, managing the civil service, maintaining order, and supervising the leaders of the smaller administrative divisions. Governors have a lot of power; they may summon the army, gendarmes, and police, as well as command propaganda to be distributed in their region. The Ministry of Territorial Administration of the central government employs all local government representatives and provides the majority of local governments’ funds.

There are 58 divisions (French départements) within the regions. These are led by divisional officers (préfets) chosen by the president. Assistant divisional officials (sous-prefets) lead the arrondissements, which are further divisions of the divisions. The smallest administrative entities are the districts, which are run by district chiefs, or chefs de district.

The Far North (Extrême Nord), North (Nord), and Adamawa (Adamaoua) are the three northernmost regions. The Centre (Centre) and East (Est) are directly south of them. The southern border and the Gulf of Guinea are the locations of the South Province (Sud). The western part of Cameroon is divided into four smaller sections: the North-West (Nord-Ouest) and West (Ouest) regions are in the western grassfields, while the Littoral (Littoral) and South-West (Sud-Ouest) regions are on the coast.

Geography

With a total area of 475,442 square kilometers (183,569 square miles), Cameroon ranks 53rd in the globe. Situated on the Bight of Bonny, which is a portion of the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf of Guinea, the nation lies in Central Africa. Between latitudes 1° and 13°N and longitudes 8° and 17°E is where Cameroon is located. Twelve nautical miles of the Atlantic Ocean are within Cameroon’s jurisdiction.

Because it has all of the major weather and flora types of Africa—coast, desert, highlands, rainforest, and savanna—Cameroon is referred to as “Africa in miniature” in travel literature. The nation’s neighbors are Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, and the Republic of the Congo to the south; Nigeria and the Atlantic Ocean to the west; Chad to the northeast; and the Central African Republic to the east.

The five main geographic zones that make up Cameroon are identified by their predominant climatic, vegetative, and physical characteristics. With an average height of 90 meters (295 feet), the coastal plain stretches 15 to 150 kilometers (9 to 93 miles) inland from the Gulf of Guinea. Part of the Cross-Sanaga-Bioko coastal woods, this belt is heavily wooded and has some of the wettest areas on earth. It is extremely hot and humid, with a brief dry season.

From the coastal plain, the South Cameroon Plateau climbs to an average elevation of 650 meters (2,133 feet). This area is dominated by equatorial rainforest, yet it is less humid than the coast due to its alternating rainy and dry seasons. The Atlantic Equatorial coastal forests ecoregion includes this region.

An irregular chain of mountains, hills, and plateaus called the Cameroon range runs from Mount Cameroon on the coast—Cameroon’s highest peak at 4,095 metres (13,435 ft)—nearly to Lake Chad on Cameroon’s northern border at 13°05’N. The climate here is mild, especially on the Western High Plateau, but rain is plentiful. Its soils are among the most fertile in Cameroon, especially around volcanic Mount Cameroon. Volcanic activity here produced crater lakes. On 21 August 1986, one of them, Lake Nyos, emitted carbon dioxide and a total of between 1,700 and 2,000 were killed. This region is marked by the World Wildlife Fund as the Cameroonian Highlands forests ecoregion.

The Adamawa Plateau rises northwards to the grassy, mountainous Adamawa Plateau. This feature runs from the western mountain region and acts as a barrier between the north and south of the country. Its mean elevation is 1,100 metres (3,609 ft), and its mean temperature is between 22 °C (71.6 °F) and 25 °C (77 °F) with high rainfall from April to October with a peak in July and August. The northern lowland area runs from the margin of the Adamawa to Lake Chad with an average height of 300 to 350 metres (984 to 1,148 ft). Its typical vegetation is savanna scrub and grass. It is a dry area with limited rainfall and high median temperatures.

There are four drainage patterns in Cameroon. The Ntem, Nyong, Sanaga, and Wouri are the main rivers in the south. These run straight into the Gulf of Guinea from the southwest or west. The Congo River receives the southeast drainage from the Dja and Kadéï. The Bénoué River flows north and west across northern Cameroon before emptying into the Niger. Cameroon shares Lake Chad with three neighboring nations, where the Logone flows northward.

Wildlife

The wildlife of Cameroon consists of its fauna and flora. It is among the wettest regions of Africa and has Africa’s second-highest level of biodiversity. Its forest cover is approximately 43% of the country’s entire area, amounting to 20,340,480 hectares (ha) of forest in 2020, against 22,500,000 hectares (ha) in 1990. Naturally regenerating forests had a cover of 20,279,380 hectares (ha), and planted forests had a cover of 61,100 hectares (ha) in 2020. Approximately 15% of the forest cover was contained in protected areas, and in 2015, 100% of the forest cover was said to be publicly owned.

To help it maintain its wildlife, Cameroon boasts over 20 protected reserves which include national parks, zoos, forest reserves, and sanctuaries. The reserves were originally established in the north of the country during the colonial government in 1932; Mozogo Gokoro Reserve and Bénoué Reserve were the first two, followed by Waza Reserve on 24 March 1934. The reservation covered originally about 4 percent of the territory’s surface and increased to 12 percent; the administration sets a goal of covering 30 percent of land area.

It possesses rich biodiversity composed of 8,260 listed plant species featuring 156 species of endemism, 409 species of mammals among whom 14 species are endemisms, 690 bird species including 8 endemisms, 250 reptile species, and 200 amphibians. Its surroundings encompass southern provinces including tropical lowland, gulf coast region on the Gulf of Guinea.

Mangrove forests, measuring 270,000 hectares (670,000 acres) in area, are along the coast. Montane forests and savannas are located in the north of the country. Notable protected areas for these animals are the Mbam Djerem National Park, Benoue National Park, Korup National Park, Takamanda National Park, and the Kagwene Gorilla Sanctuary. Cameroon is significant for marine and freshwater breeding species like crustaceans, mollusks, fish, and birds.

Culture

Music and dance

Cameroonian rituals, festivals, social events, and storytelling all heavily incorporate dance and music. Traditional dances are carefully structured and either exclude participation by one sex or segregate men and women. The dances serve a variety of functions, from religious devotion to simple amusement. Music is traditionally passed down orally. A soloist is often echoed by a chorus of singers during a performance.

While clapping hands and stamping feet can serve as basic musical accompaniment, traditional instruments include clappers, drums, talking drums, flutes, horns, rattles, scrapers, stringed instruments, whistles, xylophones, and bells worn by dancers. The combinations of these instruments vary by ethnic group and location. Some musicians play harp-like instruments while singing entire songs by themselves.

Sports

All types of sport are heavily encouraged by national policy. Canoe racing and wrestling are examples of traditional sports, while the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope, which takes place every year, attracts several hundred runners. One of the few tropical nations to have participated in the Winter Olympics is Cameroon.

Football is the main sport in Cameroon. There are several amateur football teams that are sponsored by corporations or organized according to ethnicity. Since its impressive performances in the FIFA World Cups in 1982 and 1990, the national team has been among the most successful in Africa. Cameroon won the gold medal at the 2000 Olympics and five African Cup of Nations championships.

With international matches played by the Cameroon Cricket Federation, cricket has also become a new sport in Cameroon.
Christian Koloko, Pascal Siakam, Joel Embiid, D. J. Strawberry, Ruben Boumtje-Boumtje, and Luc Mbah a Moute are among the National Basketball Association players who came from Cameroon. Cameroon is the birthplace of Francis Ngannou, the former UFC Heavyweight Champion.

Some Mysteries related to Cameroon

1. The Disappearing Lake Nyos Villages: What Happened in 1986?

In August 1986, a deadly and mysterious event unfolded in the remote highlands of northwestern Cameroon. Lake Nyos, a crater lake situated in a volcanic region, suddenly released a massive cloud of carbon dioxide (CO₂) that silently crept across nearby villages. Over 1,700 people and countless animals died within minutes, without visible wounds or warning signs. What caused this catastrophic and silent killer?

Scientists determined that the lake had accumulated a large quantity of CO₂ at its bottom, likely seeping from volcanic activity beneath the Earth’s surface. On that fateful night, the gas suddenly erupted in a limnic eruption—a rare natural disaster where dissolved gas violently escapes the water. The CO₂, being heavier than air, flowed downhill in an invisible wave, suffocating everything in its path.

The mystery deepened because such an eruption had never been witnessed before. Survivors described an eerie silence and the inexplicable collapse of people and animals alike. Initial theories ranged from chemical warfare to divine punishment, but scientific investigations confirmed the natural but deadly limnic eruption.

To prevent future disasters, engineers installed a degassing system to safely vent the CO₂ from the lake over time. The tragedy remains a stark reminder of how even tranquil environments can harbor deadly secrets.

Lake Nyos is now closely monitored, and a similar lake—Lake Monoun—has also been equipped with preventative measures. Still, the event remains one of the deadliest natural disasters caused by a non-eruptive volcanic phenomenon in history.

What makes this event even more chilling is how quickly and silently it occurred, with no warning. Many victims were found lying peacefully, as if asleep, a visual contradiction to the horror of their final moments.

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2. Who Were the Original Inhabitants of Cameroon’s Grassfields?

The lush Grassfields region of Cameroon is home to some of the country’s most complex and mysterious cultures. But who were the original inhabitants of this highland area, and how did they develop such intricate political systems, arts, and spiritual beliefs long before colonization?

Archaeological evidence suggests that the Bantu migrations brought various ethnic groups into the area as early as 2,000 years ago. Among them were the Tikar, Bamiléké, and Bamum peoples, who are believed to have established dynastic kingdoms by the 15th century.

One of the most fascinating figures from this period is Sultan Njoya of the Bamum Kingdom, who not only developed his own script—called Shü-mom—but also preserved historical records, religious beliefs, and medicinal practices in written form. His palace in Foumban remains a cultural and historical epicenter.

The Grassfields peoples also developed centralized political institutions based on chieftaincies or fondoms. Each fondom had its own mythology, sacred symbols, and oral traditions passed through royal courts and secret societies.

Despite centuries of foreign influence, from German and French colonization to Christian missionary efforts, many traditional structures remain intact. Initiation rites, indigenous languages, and crafts such as bronze casting and woodcarving are still practiced.

Yet many questions about the origins of these societies remain unanswered. Oral traditions trace lineages to mythical ancestors, and archaeological digs occasionally unearth artifacts with mysterious, undeciphered symbols. The true extent of their ancient history is still being pieced together.

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3. The Bakossi Forest Spirits: Myth or Reality?

Deep in the Bakossi Mountains of southwest Cameroon, local communities speak of powerful forest spirits known as “Nyongo.” These beings are believed to control life and death, bringing prosperity to some while taking others to invisible villages in the spirit world. Are these mere legends, or could there be a rational explanation?

The Bakossi people view the forest not just as a habitat but as a living entity filled with ancestral and supernatural presence. Tales of people disappearing into the forest, only to return years later claiming to have lived in the spirit world, are common. These accounts often involve hidden knowledge or newfound wealth.

Anthropologists believe the Nyongo myth may serve as a social control mechanism. For example, unexplained success in a poor community might lead to accusations of being aided by Nyongo spirits—a way of managing envy or maintaining balance in the social order.

At the same time, the dense, misty forests do hold real dangers: disorientation, wild animals, and poisonous plants. Stories of spirit abductions could be misinterpretations of real survival incidents, mental illness, or isolation.

Despite modern influences, belief in Nyongo remains strong. Villagers still conduct rituals, avoid certain areas, and seek protection from traditional healers. For many, the boundary between the physical and spiritual world is fluid.

This mystery continues to attract ethnographers and mystics alike. Whether the spirits are metaphors or real entities, they reflect a worldview in which nature, spirituality, and human fate are deeply intertwined.

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4. What Lies Beneath Mount Cameroon?

Mount Cameroon is the tallest mountain in West and Central Africa, and an active volcano that has erupted multiple times in recorded history. But beneath its majestic slopes lies a network of mysteries, from hidden lava tubes to ancient spiritual beliefs surrounding the volcano.

Local Bakweri communities call the mountain “Mongo ma Ndemi”—the Mountain of Greatness. They believe it is inhabited by gods or spirits that must be appeased to prevent disasters. Every few years, a traditional ritual known as the “Mt. Cameroon Race of Hope” involves both physical endurance and spiritual significance.

Geologically, the mountain sits on the Cameroon Volcanic Line, a fault system running from the Gulf of Guinea to Lake Chad. It is an important site for studying plate tectonics, but much of its subterranean activity remains poorly understood due to limited access and scientific infrastructure.

Explorers have reported strange seismic patterns and underground rumblings unconnected to major eruptions. Some scientists suspect hidden magma chambers or deep hydrothermal vents may be influencing the region in ways not yet fully mapped.

There are also numerous local myths about creatures living within the mountain, including giant snakes and guardian spirits. These beliefs serve both spiritual and ecological purposes, often discouraging deforestation or unauthorized mining.

With increasing interest in geothermal energy and ecological conservation, Mount Cameroon’s mysteries may one day unlock new scientific breakthroughs. For now, it remains a sacred and enigmatic presence looming over the region.

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5. The Baka People’s Ancient Knowledge of the Forest

The Baka people, also known as pygmies, are one of Cameroon’s oldest indigenous groups, living primarily in the dense rainforests of the southeast. How have they managed to thrive for thousands of years with minimal interaction with modern society?

The Baka possess extraordinary ecological knowledge passed down orally through generations. They can identify hundreds of plant and animal species, many of which are still unknown to modern science. Their hunting techniques, using traps and herbal poisons, reflect a deep understanding of animal behavior.

What’s especially mysterious is how their spiritual practices—songs, dances, and initiation rites—correlate with ecological rhythms like the rainy season or animal migrations. Their music, often involving polyphonic singing, is both artistic and functional, used in healing, hunting, and storytelling.

Anthropologists have observed that the Baka’s navigation through the forest is intuitive, often without maps or landmarks, suggesting a cognitive model of space that science is only beginning to understand.

Despite their resilience, the Baka face threats from logging, land encroachment, and social marginalization. Modern efforts to integrate them into mainstream society often clash with their way of life, raising ethical questions about cultural preservation.

Their ancient knowledge remains a living library of ecological data that is increasingly valued by ethnobotanists and conservationists. Whether the world listens to their wisdom could determine the future of both their culture and the forests they protect.

6. The Mystery of the Shumom Script of the Bamum Kingdom

One of the most intriguing mysteries of Cameroon’s history is the Shumom script, developed by Sultan Njoya of the Bamum Kingdom in the late 19th century. This script, which had been almost forgotten by the time of the early 20th century, remains a subject of fascination for linguists and historians alike.

Sultan Njoya, who ruled the Bamum Kingdom in western Cameroon, sought to create a writing system to preserve the history and culture of his people. In 1896, he began working on the Shumom script, which incorporated elements of Arabic, European alphabets, and indigenous symbols. The result was a unique writing system consisting of over 500 characters, with its own grammar and structure.

The mystery lies in how Sultan Njoya managed to develop such a comprehensive and functional writing system in a relatively short time. Some scholars believe he was influenced by other African scripts, such as the Nsibidi used by the Efik people in southeastern Nigeria, but no definitive connections have been found.

Despite its complexity, the Shumom script was initially successful in recording the kingdom’s history, religious texts, and royal decrees. However, following the German colonization of Cameroon in the early 20th century, the script was suppressed in favor of Latin-based alphabets. Today, few people can read Shumom, though some descendants of the Bamum royal family are working to revive it.

The script’s rediscovery and preservation have sparked debates about the role of indigenous writing systems in African history. The Shumom script offers a unique glimpse into pre-colonial literacy in Africa and is considered an essential part of Cameroon’s cultural heritage.

The mystery surrounding the script’s rapid development and its near-loss in the colonial period continues to be a topic of research, with many questioning what other forms of African literacy may have existed before European influence.

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7. The Origin of the Mysterious “Giant Footprints” of the Adamawa Region

In the remote Adamawa Highlands of Cameroon, local villagers have long reported sightings of strange and enormous footprints—often referred to as the “Giant Footprints.” These large prints, measuring over 50 centimeters in length, appear sporadically in the mud along remote trails, sometimes leading into thick forest or high-altitude fields. Are these footprints the result of a hoax, or is there something more to the story?

Some villagers believe the prints are left by a mythical giant known as “Afa Mbe,” a legendary creature that, according to local folklore, roams the mountains and brings both fortune and destruction. The giant is said to be a protector of the forests, but also capable of great violence if disturbed. Reports of sightings, however, are inconsistent and often surrounded by vague descriptions.

Despite this, some experts suspect that the footprints may have natural origins. In a region rich with wildlife, especially large animals like elephants, buffaloes, and gorillas, it’s possible that these creatures leave tracks that are misinterpreted due to the muddy, uneven terrain. However, the sheer size of the footprints, far larger than any known animal in the region, keeps the mystery alive.

Others point to the possibility of human involvement—either hoaxes or the use of large, carved wooden shoes to mimic the appearance of giant footprints. The mystery is compounded by the fact that many people who claim to have seen the creature report hearing a deep, rumbling sound shortly before encountering the prints, adding an eerie dimension to the phenomenon.

While no scientific evidence has proven the existence of the “Giant Footprints” or the creature associated with them, the phenomenon continues to captivate locals and visitors. The mystery may never be fully resolved, but it remains a source of intrigue and discussion within Cameroon’s rich oral traditions.

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8. The Strange Case of the Missing Village of Baka

Hidden deep in the forests of Cameroon’s southeastern region lies the long-forgotten and mysterious Baka village, which reportedly vanished overnight. According to local legend, the village and its people mysteriously disappeared without a trace during the colonial era. What happened to the village of Baka?

The most popular account among the villagers is that the community was cursed by an ancient spirit or a powerful forest deity. The curse was said to have been cast after the villagers unknowingly desecrated a sacred grove or disturbed a sacred shrine. As a result, the spirit exacted its revenge by erasing the village from existence.

Another theory proposes that the village was struck by a deadly disease, which wiped out its inhabitants before the colonial government could intervene. Historical records show that many indigenous communities in Cameroon were ravaged by diseases brought by Europeans, leading to sudden depopulation in certain areas.

There are also rumors that the village was secretly relocated by the colonial administration, either to control the population or to make room for the extraction of valuable resources from the surrounding forest. However, no concrete evidence has been found to support this claim.

Today, the location of the original village remains unknown. Some adventurers and historians have searched for its ruins, but no physical remnants have been found, fueling the belief that the village was erased from history by supernatural forces.

The case of the missing village of Baka serves as a stark reminder of how colonialism and mysterious local events intersect, leaving behind stories that may never be fully understood or explained.

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9. The Mystery of the Ba’Akpa Stone Carvings

In the remote regions of Cameroon’s northern plateau, there exists a collection of strange and intricately carved stones known as the Ba’Akpa carvings. These stones, some of which are as large as boulders, are covered with symbols and figures that appear to represent both human and animal forms. What is their purpose, and who created them?

The Ba’Akpa carvings remain a mystery to historians and archaeologists. Some scholars believe they were created by the ancestors of the Mafa people, who have lived in the region for centuries. These carvings may have been part of ancient rituals or used as a form of early writing.

Other theories suggest that the stones were created by an even older civilization that predates the Mafa, possibly linked to the Nok culture, which flourished in Central Nigeria between 1000 BC and 300 AD. The Nok people are known for their sophisticated terracotta sculptures, and there are similarities between the Ba’Akpa carvings and Nok art.

The carvings’ purpose remains speculative. Some believe they were used as markers to indicate sacred locations or as symbols to communicate with the gods. Others think they might have been a form of early astronomical charting, with the figures aligning with certain star patterns.

Attempts to decipher the meaning of the symbols have been unsuccessful, and no written records have been found to explain their significance. The mystery of the Ba’Akpa carvings is further complicated by the fact that the stones are slowly eroding due to climate conditions, making it increasingly difficult to study them.

Despite these challenges, the carvings continue to fascinate those interested in Africa’s ancient cultures. They represent an enigma from Cameroon’s distant past, providing a glimpse into a world whose knowledge may never be fully understood.

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10. The Curse of the Waza National Park’s Black Leopard

Waza National Park in northern Cameroon is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its rich biodiversity, including lions, elephants, and giraffes. However, local legends tell of a mysterious black leopard that roams the park—a creature that brings misfortune to anyone who encounters it. Is the black leopard simply a rare, melanistic variant, or is there something more sinister at play?

Local villagers believe the black leopard is a spirit animal, the guardian of the park who punishes those who dare to exploit the land’s resources or disturb the natural balance. There are stories of hunters who have encountered the animal and returned home with ominous illnesses or strange bad luck. These tales are often shared in hushed tones, with an air of superstition surrounding the creature.

While melanistic leopards, a form of black panther, are a recognized genetic variation of leopards found in some regions of Africa, sightings of the black leopard in Waza are exceedingly rare. This rarity has only served to deepen the mystery, as locals interpret the infrequent appearances as signs of something supernatural.

Park rangers, while acknowledging the presence of leopards in the region, have never conclusively verified reports of a black leopard. Nonetheless, the stories continue to circulate, adding to the allure and mystique of the park.

The mystery of the black leopard also speaks to the tensions between conservation efforts and local traditions. For some, the creature’s presence represents the spirit of the land and the need to respect its natural beauty. For others, it is a reminder of the unknown forces that still hold sway over the region.

As Waza National Park continues to face threats from poaching and habitat destruction, the legend of the black leopard remains an enduring symbol of Cameroon’s complex relationship with nature and the supernatural.

Some Facts related to Cameroon

1. What is the geographical location of Cameroon in Central Africa?

Cameroon is located in Central Africa, bordered by Nigeria to the west, Chad to the north, the Central African Republic to the east, and the Republic of Congo, Gabon, and Equatorial Guinea to the south. Additionally, it has a coastline on the Atlantic Ocean, specifically along the Gulf of Guinea. This strategic location gives Cameroon access to both land and sea routes, making it a significant player in the region’s economy and trade.

The country spans diverse geographical landscapes, including mountains, deserts, rainforests, and coastal plains, which contributes to its rich biodiversity. The western part of the country features the Cameroon Highlands, which contain active volcanoes like Mount Cameroon, the highest peak in West and Central Africa.

2. What is the capital city of Cameroon?

The capital city of Cameroon is Yaoundé, which is situated in the central part of the country. Yaoundé serves as the political and administrative hub of Cameroon. It is also the second-largest city in the country, after Douala, which is the economic capital. Yaoundé is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, and as a center for political activities, hosting several embassies, international organizations, and governmental institutions.

Douala, located on the coast, is Cameroon’s largest city and main port. The economic dynamism in Douala complements Yaoundé’s role as the political center, together making up the two major urban centers in the country.

3. What languages are spoken in Cameroon?

Cameroon is a bilingual country, with both French and English recognized as official languages. French is more widely spoken, with the majority of the population using it as a first or second language. English is predominantly spoken in the Northwest and Southwest regions, reflecting Cameroon’s colonial history—France and Britain were the primary colonial powers in the country.

In addition to French and English, Cameroon is home to a diverse range of indigenous languages, with estimates suggesting that more than 200 different languages are spoken across the country. These languages belong to several ethnic groups, making the linguistic landscape of Cameroon very rich and varied.

4. What is the significance of Mount Cameroon?

Mount Cameroon is an active volcano located in the southwestern part of the country, near the coastal city of Limbe. It is the highest mountain in West and Central Africa, standing at 4,040 meters (13,255 feet) above sea level. Mount Cameroon is part of the Cameroon volcanic line, which is a chain of volcanoes stretching from the Atlantic Ocean across the country.

The volcano is not only a notable natural landmark but also an important tourist destination, attracting mountaineers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts. It is also the site of the famous Mount Cameroon Race of Hope, a long-distance foot race held annually, which attracts international athletes. The volcano remains active, with the most recent eruption occurring in 2012.

5. What is Cameroon’s economy based on?

Cameroon has a mixed economy, with agriculture, oil, and services being the primary sectors. Agriculture plays a significant role, employing a large portion of the population, and the country produces crops such as cocoa, coffee, bananas, cotton, and palm oil. Cocoa, in particular, is one of Cameroon’s main exports, contributing significantly to the country’s economy.

In addition to agriculture, Cameroon is rich in natural resources, including oil, timber, and minerals. The oil sector, in particular, has been a key contributor to the country’s revenues, though production has been on the decline in recent years. The services sector, including telecommunications and finance, is also growing, especially in urban areas like Yaoundé and Douala.

6. What is the political system of Cameroon?

Cameroon is a unitary presidential republic, with a political system dominated by the presidency. The president of Cameroon holds significant powers and serves as both the head of state and government. The country has been under the leadership of President Paul Biya since 1982, making him one of the longest-serving leaders in Africa.

The political landscape is characterized by a multi-party system, though the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) party has maintained a dominant position. Despite regular elections, the political environment in Cameroon has been criticized for limited opposition participation and allegations of electoral fraud. There have been calls for political reforms and more inclusivity in governance.

7. What are the main cultural influences in Cameroon?

Cameroonian culture is diverse and reflects the country’s ethnic, linguistic, and historical makeup. The country is often described as “Africa in miniature” due to its wide range of cultural and ethnic groups, each with its own unique traditions, art forms, and languages. The major ethnic groups in Cameroon include the Bantu, the Adamawa, and the Kanuri, among many others.

Music, dance, and art are central to Cameroonian culture. Traditional music styles such as Makossa and Bikutsi, along with contemporary genres like hip hop and reggae, have earned international recognition. The country is also known for its colorful traditional clothing, including the brightly patterned fabrics worn during celebrations and ceremonies.

8. How is Cameroon’s healthcare system?

Cameroon’s healthcare system faces challenges in both urban and rural areas, with access to medical services often being limited, particularly outside of the main cities. The healthcare infrastructure in Cameroon consists of both public and private institutions, but the public sector is generally underfunded and struggles with a shortage of medical personnel and resources.

In urban centers like Yaoundé and Douala, healthcare services are better, with several hospitals and clinics offering modern medical care. However, in rural areas, many people still rely on traditional medicine and face significant barriers to accessing quality healthcare services. The government and international organizations continue to work on improving healthcare access and addressing public health concerns such as malaria, HIV/AIDS, and maternal health.

9. What is the current state of Cameroon’s education system?

Cameroon’s education system is divided into primary, secondary, and higher education levels, with both public and private institutions offering education. The literacy rate in Cameroon is relatively high compared to many African countries, but there are significant disparities between urban and rural areas in terms of access to quality education.

The country faces challenges such as overcrowded classrooms, a lack of adequate infrastructure, and teacher shortages. However, the government has made efforts to improve education through reforms and by expanding access to primary education. English and French are both used as languages of instruction, depending on the region, and there are also a variety of vocational training programs to prepare students for the workforce.

10. What is the impact of Cameroon’s natural environment on its wildlife?

Cameroon is known for its rich biodiversity, which includes a wide variety of animals, birds, and plant species. The country’s diverse ecosystems, ranging from coastal plains to rainforests and savannas, provide habitats for many unique species. Cameroon is home to several national parks and wildlife reserves, such as the Waza National Park and the Korup National Park, which protect important wildlife populations.

The country is also known for its significant primate populations, including gorillas, chimpanzees, and bonobos, and is a key area for wildlife conservation in Central Africa. However, Cameroon’s wildlife faces threats from deforestation, poaching, and habitat loss. Conservation efforts, both government-led and through international partnerships, aim to protect these ecosystems and ensure the survival of the country’s diverse species.

Conclusion

Cameroon, located at the crossroads of Central and West Africa, is a country rich in diversity, both geographically and culturally. Its strategic position, surrounded by multiple countries and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean, has made it a melting pot of languages, traditions, and histories. The nation’s population of about 31 million people speaks over 250 indigenous languages, highlighting its incredible cultural variety. The legacy of its historical civilisations, such as the Sao and the Baka pygmies, alongside its colonial history under Portuguese, French, and British rule, has contributed to Cameroon’s vibrant, multi-faceted society.

The country’s modern challenges, particularly the tensions arising from its English-speaking regions, reflect the complex dynamics of its colonial legacy and the desire for political autonomy and self-determination. Despite these tensions, Cameroon has remained an influential player in regional and international affairs, participating in organizations such as the African Union, the United Nations, and the Commonwealth of Nations. Cameroon’s natural beauty, with its beaches, mountains, deserts, and rainforests, combined with its rich cultural heritage, makes it a country of remarkable contrasts.

In conclusion, Cameroon, often referred to as “Africa in miniature,” is an embodiment of the continent’s diversity, encapsulating the beauty, complexity, and challenges that define Africa as a whole. From its varied landscapes to its diverse languages and cultures, it is a country that reflects the rich mosaic of African identity. While facing internal challenges, Cameroon continues to be a place of significant cultural exchange, political interest, and natural splendor. The ongoing efforts towards peace, unity, and development will determine the nation’s path forward, as it seeks to harness its potential while addressing its internal divisions.

Image credits: Wikipedia and Wikimedia Commons.

External links

#	Title	Source	Description
1	Cameroon Country Profile	BBC News	Offers an in-depth overview of Cameroon’s geography, history, politics, and current challenges.
2	Cameroon Overview	World Bank	Provides economic data, development challenges, and social indicators.
3	Cameroon: A Journey Through Tribes, Cities, and Rainforests	El País	A travelogue capturing the diverse landscapes and cultures of Cameroon.
4	The Fight is Existential: Anglophone Leaders Lead a Revolution from Behind Bars	The Guardian	Investigates the ongoing conflict between the government and Anglophone separatists.
5	Discovery of Tool-Using Chimpanzees in Cameroon	The Guardian	Reports on groundbreaking discoveries in Cameroon’s Ebo Forest.
6	Cameroon: A Miniature Africa	BBC News	Highlights Cameroon’s diverse geography and culture.
7	Cameroon: A Journey Through Tribes, Cities, and Rainforests	El País	A travelogue capturing the diverse landscapes and cultures of Cameroon.
8	Cameroon: A Miniature Africa	BBC News	Highlights Cameroon’s diverse geography and culture.
9	Cameroon: A Miniature Africa	BBC News	Highlights Cameroon’s diverse geography and culture.
10	Cameroon: A Miniature Africa	BBC News	Highlights Cameroon’s diverse geography and culture.
11	Cameroon: A Miniature Africa	BBC News	Highlights Cameroon’s diverse geography and culture.
12	Cameroon: A Miniature Africa	BBC News	Highlights Cameroon’s diverse geography and culture.
13	Cameroon: A Miniature Africa	BBC News	Highlights Cameroon’s diverse geography and culture.
14	Cameroon: A Miniature Africa	BBC News	Highlights Cameroon’s diverse geography and culture.
15	Cameroon: A Miniature Africa	BBC News	Highlights Cameroon’s diverse geography and culture.
16	Cameroon: A Miniature Africa	BBC News	Highlights Cameroon’s diverse geography and culture.
17	Cameroon: A Miniature Africa	BBC News	Highlights Cameroon’s diverse geography and culture.
18	Cameroon: A Miniature Africa	BBC News	Highlights Cameroon’s diverse geography and culture.
19	Cameroon: A Miniature Africa	BBC News	Highlights Cameroon’s diverse geography and culture.
20	Cameroon: A Miniature Africa	BBC News	Highlights Cameroon’s diverse geography and culture.