British Cameroons Referendum of 1961: Shaping the Borders of Nigeria and Cameroon
On February 11, 1961, a pivotal United Nations referendum took place in the British Cameroons. This vote was designed to resolve the political future of the territory by determining whether it should integrate with the neighboring Federation of Nigeria or the Republic of Cameroon.
This event was the culmination of a complex decolonization process. It followed a 1959 plebiscite in the Northern Cameroons, where voters had previously opted to postpone a final decision on their independence path.
The Political Landscape and Constraints
One of the most significant aspects of the 1961 referendum was the limitation of the choices provided to the voters. The option for full, standalone independence was notably absent from the ballot. This exclusion was supported by Andrew Cohen, the UK representative to the UN Trusteeship Council, as well as various African and anti-colonial delegations.
The political divide was further characterized by the leadership of the time. E. M. L. Endeley advocated for independence through integration with Nigeria, while John Ngu Foncha championed the move toward joining Francophone Cameroon.
Regional Divisions and Voting Results
The territory was split into two distinct regions—Northern and Southern Cameroons—which exhibited starkly different preferences based on religious and political demographics.
Northern Cameroons
The Muslim-majority Northern Cameroons voted predominantly to join Nigeria. With 59.97% of the vote, the region sought alignment with the Nigerian federation.
Southern Cameroons
In contrast, the Christian-majority Southern Cameroons favored the Republic of Cameroon, with 70.50% of voters choosing this path.
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Key Facts
- Date of Referendum: February 11, 1961.
- Organizing Body: United Nations.
- Excluded Option: Full independence was not an option on the ballot.
- Northern Result: 59.97% joined the Federation of Nigeria.
- Southern Result: 70.50% joined the Republic of Cameroon.
- Outcome for North: Became Sardauna Province in Nigeria on June 1.
- Outcome for South: Became West Cameroon in the Federal Republic of Cameroon on October 1.
Referendum Outcome Summary
| Region | Federation of Nigeria | Republic of Cameroon |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Cameroons | 59.97% | 40.03% |
| Southern Cameroons | 29.50% | 70.50% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was full independence not an option in the referendum?
Full independence was opposed by the UK representative to the UN Trusteeship Council, Andrew Cohen, as well as several African and anti-colonial delegations.
What happened to the Northern Cameroons after the vote?
On June 1, the Northern Cameroons officially became Sardauna Province, integrating into the Northern Region of Nigeria.
What happened to the Southern Cameroons after the vote?
On October 1, the Southern Cameroons became West Cameroon, serving as one of the two federated states of the Federal Republic of Cameroon.
Who were the primary political figures influencing the decision?
Key figures included E. M. L. Endeley, who favored joining Nigeria, and John Ngu Foncha, who favored joining Francophone Cameroon.
Was there a vote prior to the 1961 referendum?
Yes, a plebiscite was held in the Northern Cameroons in 1959, but the voters decided to postpone the final decision at that time.