Youth Day Celebration in Bameka

Every year on February 11th, the streets of Cameroon come alive. Young people march,

speeches follow, and celebrations are in full swing. Yet, behind this festive day lies a

darker history, marked by a painful separation and a bold political decision.

Why do we celebrate Youth Day on this specific date? A look back at a key moment in

Cameroonian history.

1961: A fateful date

In 1961, at the dawn of a new era for Cameroon, a former German colony, the country

was divided after the First World War between France and the United Kingdom. The part

under British administration, called British Cameroons, was itself divided into two

regions: Northern Cameroon 🔹 🔹Southern Cameroon

But a crucial question arose: should these territories join French-speaking Cameroon or

English-speaking Nigeria ?

To decide, the UN held a referendum on February 11 and 12, 1961.

The choice was simple: ✅ Reunite with Cameroon and become independent ❌

Reunite with Nigeria

The verdict fell like a hammer blow: Northern Cameroon chose Nigeria with 146,296

votes against 97,659 for Cameroon. Southern Cameroon opted for Cameroon with

235,571 votes against 97,741 for Nigeria.

Northern Cameroon was lost, absorbed by Nigeria. This was a real shock for Cameroon,

which had hoped to regain its territorial unity.

February 11th then became a day of national mourning. But how can we turn the page on

such trauma? How can we prevent this date from remaining etched in the collective

memory as a bitter failure?

President Ahmadou Ahidjo, a shrewd strategist, found an unexpected solution:

associating this day with youth.

Why youth? Because in Southern Cameroon, which chose to remain Cameroonian, a

youth festival already existed. Ahidjo then decided to merge the painful memory of the

referendum with the enthusiasm and energy of young people, to give new meaning to

February 11th.

From then on, what was once a dark day became a symbol of hope, rebirth, and national

unity.

A celebration that has become a tradition :

Since this decision, every February 11, all of Cameroon celebrates its youth through

parades, sports competitions and cultural events.

The message is clear: Young people are the future of the country and must carry

Cameroon colors high, despite the wounds of the past.

But behind this excitement, the history of the 1961 referendum remains unknown to

many Cameroonians. Few people realize that this day of celebration was first and

foremost a day of mourning and loss.

An ambivalent commemoration :

Nowadays, February 11th is celebrated with pride, but some people wonder if this date is

really the most appropriate to honor youth.

Isn't it time to remember its tragic origins ? Has Cameroon really managed to turn the

page ?

One thing is certain: by choosing to make it a day of celebration rather than a day of

mourning, Ahidjo wanted to instill a spirit of resilience in the Cameroonian people.

More than 60 years later, this decision continues to shape the national identity.

So, the next time you attend the February 11th festivities, remember that:

Behind every smile, every dance, every speech, lies a story of loss, choice, and rebirth.

Kuetche, cf. Santé Bameka, February 11, 2025

M. Kuetche Hugues