THE UPC: CAMEROON'S TRAGIC INDEPENDENCE HEROES

A shout-out to our brothers and sisters in Cameroon celebrating Independence Day! January 1st marks a pivotal moment in their history: the day the country broke free from colonial domination and embarked on its journey as a sovereign nation. However, this milestone was not achieved without immense sacrifice, revolutionary struggle, and the enduring fight for Pan-African unity. While the date is formally tied to the leadership of French-backed president Ahmadou Ahidjo, the true heroes of Cameroon's independence remain the revolutionary Union of the Peoples of Cameroon (UPC) and the countless lives sacrificed in the fight against imperialism.

The UPC fought and died for the independence and unity of Cameroon, as well as that of Africa - but they paid a terrible price. Ahidjo - backed by France - waged a genocidal war against not just the UPC but also the Bamiléké people. However, the UPC organised the peoples of Cameroon and fought to keep the country together, even across linguistic lines.

While the Cameroonian War of Independence is often referred to as the 'Forgotten War' because the more successful Algerian Revolution overshadowed it at the time, the history of this struggle continues to shape Cameroon in the present.

Since independence in 1960 and the elimination of the UPC, a single political party and only two presidents have ruled the country: Ahmadou Ahidjo and Paul Biya.

Despite many setbacks, the UPC worked tirelessly to build relationships with other Pan-African organisations and leaders, from Kwame Nkrumah to Patrice Lumumba and Ahmed Ben Bella. Though not yet achieved, their objective of a unified and liberated Africa continues to inspire us in the ongoing struggle.

Today, as Cameroon reflects on its independence, it is crucial to rekindle the revolutionary spirit of the UPC and the broader Pan-African movement. With this milestone, let us honour the legacy of the country's revolutionaries by working toward the realisation of their dreams: a Cameroon and an Africa that is truly free.