In a significant admission, French President Emmanuel Macron has recognized the violent repression exerted by French forces during Cameroon’s fight for independence while also stressing the need for further research into these events. This acknowledgment stems from a report by historians from both countries that outlines France's oppressive actions from 1945 to 1971.
France's Macron Acknowledges Historical Violence in Cameroon’s Fight for Independence
France's Macron Acknowledges Historical Violence in Cameroon’s Fight for Independence
French President admits to colonial atrocities during a new report on the country's past in Cameroon.
Macron expressed his position in a letter addressed to Cameroon's President Paul Biya, which was made public recently. He stated that the report confirmed the existence of a war in Cameroon, characterized by widespread violence inflicted by colonial authorities and French military personnel in various regions. Despite this recognition, Macron refrained from offering explicit apologies for the actions taken by French troops around the time of independence in 1960.
The letter highlighted key figures in the independence movement, such as Ruben Um Nyobe, who were assassinated during military operations orchestrated by France. The report notes that during 1956-1961, tens of thousands were killed in the conflict, while hundreds of thousands of Cameroonians were forced into internment camps, with France backing violent militias to suppress independence efforts.
Macron's decision to investigate the matter arose from increased pressure within Cameroon for France to confront its colonial past and consider potential reparations. During a visit to Yaoundé in 2022, he initiated the investigation that led to this report, emphasizing the necessity of academic sharing between the two nations about these historical atrocities.
The BBC has reached out for comments from the Cameroonian government regarding Macron's statement. Although Macron did not specifically address reparations, this could become a focal point in future discussions between the countries. Under Macron's leadership, France has been progressively dealing with its colonial history, previously acknowledging its involvement in the Rwandan genocide and a massacre in Senegal.
With much attention turning toward this acknowledgment, the implications for Franco-Cameroonian relations remain significant, particularly as calls for reparations intensify among Cameroonians.
The letter highlighted key figures in the independence movement, such as Ruben Um Nyobe, who were assassinated during military operations orchestrated by France. The report notes that during 1956-1961, tens of thousands were killed in the conflict, while hundreds of thousands of Cameroonians were forced into internment camps, with France backing violent militias to suppress independence efforts.
Macron's decision to investigate the matter arose from increased pressure within Cameroon for France to confront its colonial past and consider potential reparations. During a visit to Yaoundé in 2022, he initiated the investigation that led to this report, emphasizing the necessity of academic sharing between the two nations about these historical atrocities.
The BBC has reached out for comments from the Cameroonian government regarding Macron's statement. Although Macron did not specifically address reparations, this could become a focal point in future discussions between the countries. Under Macron's leadership, France has been progressively dealing with its colonial history, previously acknowledging its involvement in the Rwandan genocide and a massacre in Senegal.
With much attention turning toward this acknowledgment, the implications for Franco-Cameroonian relations remain significant, particularly as calls for reparations intensify among Cameroonians.
