“Uniting the Two Cameroons Is Like Forcing a Balloon Under the Pacific Ocean: A False Union Destined to Erupt”

“Uniting the Two Cameroons Is Like Forcing a Balloon Under the Pacific Ocean: A False Union Destined to Erupt”

Editorial framework titled:

“Uniting the Two Cameroons Is Like Forcing a Balloon Under the Pacific Ocean: A False Union Destined to Erupt”
Title:
Uniting the Two Cameroons Is Like Forcing a Balloon Under the Pacific Ocean: A False Union Destined to Erupt
Editorial Framework Overview:
This editorial examines the forced and flawed unification of Southern Cameroons and French Cameroun. It explores how the union was orchestrated through colonial manipulation, undermined by systemic injustice, and has led to decades of marginalization and conflict. Using the metaphor of “forcing a balloon under the Pacific Ocean,” the editorial highlights the unsustainable nature of this artificial unity and calls for a return to truth, justice, and the inalienable right to self-determination for the people of Southern Cameroons (Ambazonia).
Page 1: Historical Context and the 1961 Federation
Introduction of the British Southern Cameroons and French Cameroun as distinct colonial territories.
1961 UN-sponsored plebiscite offered Southern Cameroonians two options—join Nigeria or French Cameroun. Independence was never on the ballot.
Formation of the Federal Republic of Cameroon, with Southern Cameroons becoming “West Cameroon.”
Agreement intended to respect the autonomy and governance structures of both territories.
Page 2: Betrayal of the Federation and Rise of Centralization
President Ahmadou Ahidjo’s dismantling of the federal system in 1972 through a controversial referendum.
Southern Cameroons’ institutions dissolved; French centralized rule imposed.
Shift from “Federal Republic” to “United Republic,” then to “Republic of Cameroon”—erasing the federal spirit and identity of West Cameroon.
Symbolic and practical loss of autonomy, language rights, and judicial independence.
Page 3: The Balloon Under the Ocean – A Metaphor for Repression
Explanation of the metaphor: a balloon submerged under oceanic pressure is bound to resurface explosively.
The forced union is artificial—suppressing historical, linguistic, and political differences.
Growing resentment and resistance are the inevitable outcomes of long-standing injustice.
Page 4: Cultural and Linguistic Marginalization
French-language dominance in administration, education, and judiciary.
Erosion of the Anglo-Saxon legal and educational systems.
Displacement of Anglophone identity and systematic efforts to “Francophonize” the state.
Page 5: Economic and Political Disenfranchisement
Disproportionate development projects favoring Francophone regions.
Marginalization of Anglophones in civil service, military, and national governance.
Resource extraction from Anglophone regions (oil, timber) without reinvestment or benefits to locals.
Page 6: Rise of the Ambazonian Movement
Southern Cameroons National Council (SCNC) and other nonviolent advocacy groups’ emergence in the 1990s.
2016-17 teachers’ and lawyers’ strikes over cultural and legal marginalization.
Government’s brutal crackdown, arrests, and internet blackouts.
Declaration of Independence on October 1, 2017 by Ambazonian leadership.
Page 7: Militarization and Human Rights Abuses
Widespread military operations in Southern Cameroons by La République du Cameroun forces.
Reports of village burnings, arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, and displacement.
United Nations and humanitarian agencies estimate hundreds of thousands displaced.
Documentation of crimes against humanity and calls for international intervention.
Page 8: International Silence and British Complicity
The United Kingdom’s failure to uphold its decolonization mandate under international law.
France’s military and economic support to the Yaoundé regime.
Global powers prioritizing geopolitical and economic interests over human rights and justice.
The African Union’s ineffectiveness and double standards on self-determination.
Page 9: The Case for a Peaceful Dissolution and Two-State Solution
Historical precedence for peaceful separations: Sudan/South Sudan, Ethiopia/Eritrea, etc.
Southern Cameroons’ right to self-determination under UN Charter and international law.
Recommending a referendum on independence or an internationally mediated negotiation.
Restoration of West Cameroon’s sovereignty as the only path to sustainable peace.
Page 10: Conclusion – The Balloon Will Surface
The suppression of Southern Cameroons’ identity, history, and sovereignty is unsustainable.
The metaphor of the balloon speaks to the irrepressible nature of truth and justice.
Unity without justice is tyranny; the international community must recognize this crisis as a product of colonial betrayal and ongoing oppression.
A call to governments, media, and civil society worldwide to support the liberation and recognition of the Republic of Ambazonia.

By Funtong Daniel, MSN, AGACNP