For the first time, a French president officially recognizes that France waged a war in Cameroon during and after colonization. A historical gesture, but which intervenes in a tense climate between Paris and its former partners of the African continent.
A long war kills
In a Letter made public on August 12Emmanuel Macron recognized that France had led a real War in Cameroon. The term had never been officially used. This ” guerre »Affixed French colonial authorities to independentist movementsmainly in the south and west of the country.
The clashes started in The 1950swhen approaching independence. The repression led by the French army was brutal. Arrests, executions, burned villages : The violence was multiple and often extreme, according to the report of historians commanded by Macron himself in 2022.
But these violence do not stop with The independence of Cameroon in 1960. France continues to militarily support the regime of President Ahmadou Ahidjo, who still fights the rebels. The conflict continued until the early 1970s.
Researchers believe that victims are counted by tens of thousands. The historical relationship speaks of a ” void“, Maintained on both sides. The objective displayed by Emmanuel Macron is clear, shed light on this hidden past and build a common memory.
An approach welcomed but deemed incomplete
This recognition is part of a series of similar initiatives by the French president. Emmanuel Macron had already recognized responsibilities of France in the Tutsis genocide in Rwanda. But as often, He did not apologize or mentioned in repairs.
In the case of Cameroon, recognition comes after the delivery of a report of more than 1000 pageswritten by a mixed commission of historians. The gently is based on de-classified archives, testimonies and field surveys. He traces in detail the gear of colonial violence and its extensions after independence.
But this presidential gesture is not enough to convince. He intervenes in a relatively tense climate. Indeed, the image of France deteriorates in Africa. In several countries in the Sahel, feelings ” anti-French »Grow up. Some accuse Paris of neocolonialism. Emmanuel Macron himself made ambiguous remarks, especially after the coup in Niger in 2023. Recalls to the order addressed to African heads of state, as during the Sommer of Pau, left some consequences.
Geopolitical memory and tensions
The mail addressed to Paul Biya, president of Cameroon, is A step towards more complete recognition of the colonial past. But it remains perceived as insufficient, even strategic. In a region where other powers like China or Russia are in influence, France seek to preserve its relations. Emmanuel Macron tries to rebalance the links, by valuing youth and civil societies.
Yet, recognition of the past does not compensate for the errors of the present. Military cooperation, economic agreements or the cultural influence of France are increasingly criticized. Errors that feed the rejection of the former colonizer.
On the Cameroonian side, The memory of this war remains lively. The repression of separatists, in particular with the Union of Cameroon populations, has permanently marked the families and the regions concerned. Voices continue to claim truth, justice and repairs.
The gesture of Emmanuel Macron is strongly symbolically. But there remains an isolated gesture. Simple recognition of facts is not enough to restore confidence. Return to this war is lay the foundations for a more honest dialogueit is still necessary that it is followed by concrete effects.
