Controversy over Cameroon 50th aniv.

Written by Eugene N. Nforngwa

Thursday, 31 December 2009 19:33

Yaounde - Events were held in Cameroon on 31 December to mark 50 years of the independence of the country.

The event has been plunged into controversy because part of the country would not be 50 years old. Anglophone Cameroon got it independence a year later in 1961.

The commemoration was expected to deepen an ongoing feud between French and English speaking Cameroon over alleged poor treatment of the latter.

A cultural evening in the capital Yaounde culminated in fireworks at midnight to announce the passage into the 50^th year.

Authorities said more events, including TV shows, conference and cultural jamborees, are to be held throughout the year.

A high point would be the celebration of 50 years of the Cameroon army. President Paul Biya will chair the event in Bamenda at an unannounced date.

Authorities admitted the “delicate” nature of the commemoration and tried to calm Anglophone frustrations over the event on Wednesday.

Communication minister Issa Tchiroma told a news conference that no one needed to feel “wrongly frustrated”, referring to Anglophones.

“This should be a moment of pride, when everyone feels Cameroonian,” the minister said, urging journalists to be tactful in reporting the story.

French Cameroon gained independence from France on 1 January 1960. But English Cameroon which was under British rule gained independence on 1 October 1961 after a referendum.

Until today, authorities have tried to manage the delicate history by avoiding to play up any of the independence days.