Les manifestations et le débat autour de l’idée de l’unité pendant les jubilés de l’indépendance du Cameroun en 2010 : le “Cinquantenaire”

Abstract

Cameroon celebrated the golden jubilees of Independence (as many other francophone African countries) in 2010 (in reference to French Cameroon’s independence of 1960) while Reunification (to commemorate the former British mandate territory of Southern Cameroons’ union with the former French Cameroons) was planned for 2011. The former held on National Day, 20th May 2010, anniversary of the advent of the unitary state in which events, performances, discourses (speeches, discussions, interpretations of symbols), slogans and gadgets (banners, logo) highlighted the theme of unity that has acquired different meanings over time. That neither of historical date of importance was commemorated in its proper anniversary and that unity occupies a prominent place raises questions about the significance and appropriateness of the commemorations.