French Imperialism in Cameroon: Implications for the Ambazonian Independence Struggle, 1960–2020

Abstract

This paper examines the role of French imperialism in perpetuating the conflicts in Cameroon and its consequences on the Ambazonian struggle for independence. History is replete with illustrations that the French like any other colonialist has never relinquished political power to former colonies without a threat of force or fight. Even after decolonization, neocolonial impacts remain riffed, through their African apologies. Cameroon is no exception. France depends on Cameroon for oil and raw materials found in the Ambazonian region and will not want to let go of a vital lifeline hence will do all it takes to retain Ambazonia under the La République du Cameroun. The dependency approach in this paper found out that the French through La République du Cameroun will fight to the death than allow the independence of Ambazonia coupled with the fear that La République du Cameroun may become a failed state should Ambazonia breakaway since 70% of the resources on which La Republique depends on is from the Ambazonian region. The implications are that the war will not end soon unless the Ambazonians are decisive in holding their independence quest to the end. France and La Republique will not bark down until they completely incorporate the Amber region into La Republique. The work recommends that the Ambazonians on Ground Zero (GZ) must fight until freedom is achieved or renege and return to biblical Egypt. Ambazonians in the diaspora must speak with one voice through a responsible strategic leadership support system, that will guide the Ambazonian forces appropriately, be open to the national dialogue and constitute a responsible government in-waiting abroad, that will wield control over Ambazonian from outside while waiting for the de jure and de facto recognition of the State of Ambazonia. Only then will French strangle hold on La République du Cameroun and Ambazonia be broken for Ambazonians to breathe, freedom at last!