Cameroon Unification Day (01/10)

Cameroon Unification Day (French. The Réunification du Cameroun, which is celebrated annually in the country on October 1, was established to mark the anniversary of Southern Cameroon's independence from Great Britain and unification with French Cameroon in 1961.

The unification in October 1961 formed the Federal Republic of Cameroon, which included two states: the former French part became known as Eastern Cameroon, and the former British — Western Cameroon.

History has decreed that since the First World War, dominance over Cameroon has passed to France and Great Britain — On March 4, 1916, France and Great Britain entered into a secret treaty to divide Cameroon. Three years later, the division of Cameroon between England and France was finalized, and the League of Nations authorized the transfer of Eastern Cameroon to the mandated administration of France, and Western Cameroon to — England. As a result of this act, some peoples of the African country found themselves divided territorially.

Even though international obligations required England and France to ensure the political and civil rights of civilians, Cameroon had colonial legislation in place.

From the late 40s and 50s of the 20th century, political organizations were actively created in French Cameroon, the purpose of which was to unite the French and British parts of Cameroon, fight the colonial regime, and grant the country independence. The most active political party was the «Union of the Peoples of Cameroon» (SNK), formed by trade union activists in 1948.

The Council of People's Commissars, together with activist groups in British Cameroon, achieved a referendum in 1961 under the auspices of the UN, which resulted in the historical unification of the two territories and the creation of the Federal Republic of Cameroon.

Unification Day — is truly a national holiday; it is celebrated in all cities of the country with processions and fireworks. Particular attention on this day is paid to the sporting events of the — kanoi competition, national wrestling, athletics competitions and the popular marathon race. Cameroonians, known as the football nation, hold numerous professional and amateur football battles on this holiday.

Let us remind you that in connection with the events described above, Cameroon celebrates another important state date — annually on January 1, the country celebrates Independence Day.

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