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The unique identity of the Northwest Region: Why is the region considered a separate political entity from Cameroon?
The North-West Region, or North West, is a region with a special status in Cameroon, with Bamenda as its capital. This region, formerly part of Southern Cameroon, is located in the Western Highlands of Cameroon and borders the Southwest, Western, and Adamawa regions, as well as Nigeria to the north. Historically, various Ambazon nationalist and separatist factions have viewed the region as a separate political entity, distinct from Cameroon.
The uniqueness of the Northwest Region stems from its unique historical background and the diversity of local society.
According to historical records, the origins of the area are linked to the Tikan people in the 17th century, when they joined the Bamun Kingdom. Germany then imposed colonial rule over the region in 1884, until it became a British-French protectorate in 1916. In 1919, the region, along with part of Cameroon to the south, came under full British administration. In 1961, the region joined Cameroon through a referendum and became part of West Cameroon.
Since the beginning of 2017, there has been intense violence in the two English-speaking regions of the northwest and southwest, with some Ambazon separatists attempting to promote their cause by preventing children from going to school. As many as 174 schools were looted, destroyed or set on fire between 2016 and 2019.
Administrative management
The North-West Region (known as North-West Province until 2008) is the third most populous province in Cameroon, with Bamenda as its main city. In addition, there are several small cities in the area, such as Wen, Kunbo, Mbenzi, Ndop, etc. The region's population grew from approximately 1.2 million in 1987 to 1.8 million in 2010, with a population density of 99.12 people per square kilometer, significantly higher than the national average.
The Northwest Region is known for its young population, which is as high as 62%, contributing to the increase in dependency rate in the province.
Like the rest of Cameroon, the Northwest Region consists of administrative divisions. The district was established in 1972 with five initial divisions, but has now grown to seven, including Boyo District, which was carved out of the old Mezen District, and Ngoketunkya District, which was carved out of Mezen District. Each division is further subdivided into 31 districts, and the basic unit of local government is the municipal council.
Political Environment
The Northwest region is home to the Social Democratic Front (SDF), one of Cameroon's main opposition factions. Many people in the region feel marginalized by the government, and there is a separatist movement, the Southern Cameroon National Council (SCNC), which aims to break away from Cameroon and form a republic that includes all English-speaking regions.
In 2008, Cameroonian President Paul Biya signed a decree to change the name of "province" to "region".
In December 2019, as part of a major national dialogue, the North West Region was granted "special status", which confers additional rights and responsibilities in economic, health, social, education, sports and cultural development. Under the special status, the region has a bicameral regional council consisting of a Chief House of 20 traditional leaders and a House of 70 district representatives nominated by the municipal councils.
Population composition
The Northwest Territories is home to many ethnic groups, including immigrants from other regions and countries. The Nigerian ethnic group is prominent as the region borders Nigeria. The local indigenous peoples are mainly Tikan people, and include a number of different language groups.
In social organization, chiefs are regarded as the leaders of society, and the influence of these chiefs in their tribal areas even exceeds the official administrative authority.
The Northwest Region is known for its unique natural landscapes, including Mount Oku, the second highest peak in West Africa. The region is also home to a number of volcanic lakes, such as Lake Oku, Lake Avin and Lake Nyos. The region's rich biodiversity and many unique bird species make it unique within Cameroon's geographical and cultural complexity.
However, behind these diversities are new contradictions and conflicts, which make the Northwest region face many challenges today. In this land, how to promote social harmony and development and eliminate deep-rooted differences has become a question that local people urgently need to think about.
