The memory commission on the role of France against the independence movements and Cameroonian opposition has just concluded its stay in Yaoundé. This commission, initiated by presidents Emmanuel Macron and Paul Biya, aims to reconstruct a largely unknown and troubled period in Cameroon’s history.
During their stay, the members of the commission visited several cities and universities in Cameroon, including Dschang in the west of the country. This region is of particular importance because it is there that the repression against Cameroonian nationalists was particularly fierce. Discussions took place with teachers and students from the University of Dschang, allowing us to collect their testimonies and their feelings about this period.
Back in Yaoundé, the commission team also went to the University of Yaoundé 1. This desire to meet Cameroonian students and researchers testifies to the importance given to their point of view in this process of reconstructing history.
The commission’s next steps include trips to other regions of the country, such as the center, the coast and Douala, in order to lift the veil on abuses committed during the pre-colonial period and the post-independence era.
The commission’s final report is expected in December 2024 and promises to shed new light on this troubled period in Cameroon’s history. The appointment is set and the commission team undertakes to respect the deadlines to carry out this memory mission.
This historical reconstruction work is crucial to allow Cameroonians to better understand their past and build a future based on justice and reconciliation. It is also essential for relations between France and Cameroon, paving the way for a better understanding of past events and promoting constructive dialogue between the two countries.
In conclusion, the memory commission on the role of France against the independence movements and Cameroonian opposition is underway. His stay in Yaoundé marks an important step in this process of reconstituting the history of Cameroon. The next steps of the commission promise to lift the veil on the abuses committed, while giving Cameroonians a voice so that they can express their feelings and contribute to the construction of a collective memory. This work of remembrance is essential to promote a better understanding of the history of Cameroon and to pave the way for a future of justice and reconciliation.