Explain the policy of Association imposed by the British in British Southern Cameroon during the mandate period.

The policy of Association imposed by the British in British Southern Cameroon during the mandate period was a system of indirect rule that aimed to govern the territory through traditional African authorities. This policy was implemented as part of the British colonial administration's efforts to maintain control over the territory while minimizing direct involvement in local affairs.

Under the policy of Association, British colonial officials worked closely with traditional African chiefs and rulers to administer the territory. These traditional authorities were given a degree of autonomy and were responsible for maintaining law and order, collecting taxes, and implementing British policies at the local level. In return, the chiefs were expected to cooperate with the British administration and enforce colonial laws and regulations.

The policy of Association was intended to preserve traditional African institutions and customs while also promoting British interests in the territory. However, critics of the policy argued that it reinforced existing power structures and marginalized other groups within the society, leading to tensions and conflicts.

Overall, the policy of Association in British Southern Cameroon was a complex system of governance that sought to balance traditional African practices with British colonial rule. It had both positive and negative impacts on the territory and its people, and its legacy continues to be debated and analyzed by historians and scholars.

Policy of Association in British Southern Cameroons

During the British Mandate period, the British government implemented a policy of Association in Southern Cameroons (present-day Southwest and Northwest Regions of Cameroon). This policy aimed to integrate Southern Cameroons into the administration and economy of neighboring Nigeria.

Implementation of the Policy

- Administrative Union: Southern Cameroons was administratively united with the Eastern Provinces of Nigeria, sharing the same administrative structure and laws.
- Economic Integration: Southern Cameroons' economy was closely tied to Nigeria's. Nigerian currency was used, and tariffs were imposed on goods imported from outside the British Empire.
- Shared Services: Southern Cameroons shared various services with Nigeria, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
- Common Currency and Taxation: The British pound sterling was used as the official currency, and Southern Cameroons paid taxes to the Nigerian government.
- Political Representation: Southern Cameroons was not granted separate political representation in the Nigerian legislature.

Objectives of the Policy

- Economic Development: The British believed that integrating Southern Cameroons into Nigeria's larger economy would spur economic growth.
- Administrative Efficiency: By merging Southern Cameroons with Nigeria, the British could reduce administrative costs and streamline governance.
- Political Stability: The British hoped that associating Southern Cameroons with a larger and more stable entity like Nigeria would prevent unrest and promote stability.
- Creation of a West African Federation: The policy of Association was intended as a step towards creating a wider West African federation under British rule.

Consequences of the Policy

- Economic Dependence: Southern Cameroons became heavily dependent on Nigeria economically, making it vulnerable to fluctuations in the Nigerian economy.
- Political Marginalization: Southern Cameroons was not given a significant political voice in Nigeria, leading to feelings of political disempowerment.
- Cultural Assimilation: The integration with Nigeria fostered cultural assimilation, as Southern Cameroonians adopted Nigerian customs and traditions.
- Emergence of Nationalist Sentiment: The policy of Association fueled nationalist sentiments in Southern Cameroons, as some Cameroonians began to question the benefits of being associated with Nigeria.
- Post-Mandate Division: After the British Mandate ended in 1961, Southern Cameroons was given the choice to join either Nigeria or Cameroon. The majority voted to join Cameroon, which led to the division of the former British Cameroons territory.