ABSTRACT
This chapter provides a background to the constitutional history of Cameroon, highlighting its significance to the contemporary governance culture, institutions and practices. It traces developments from the period of colonialism, focusing on British and French colonial administration, to the period of decolonisation. The chapter takes a critical look at the complex process of the decolonisation of both French Cameroon and Southern Cameroons and the issues underpinning the decision of Southern Cameroons politicians to enter into an unequal union with the French Republic of Cameroon. It then discusses the political machinations of the Ahidjo regime that led to the demise of federalism, consequently defeating the aspirations of the Southern Cameroons architects of federalism. The chapter discusses the attempts by the Biya government to institute democracy and constitutional governance in the 1990s, a process which led to the promulgation of the 1996 Constitution.
