Colonial Policy of Power Devolution in Southern Cameroons and Ambivalence of British Intentions

Abstract

This article examines the efforts made by the British colonial authorities in the devolution of power to indigenes in British Southern Cameroons. With the ousting of the Germans in 1916 and establishment of British rule, the Indirect Rule System was introduced and Native Authorities were created all over the territory and empowered to manage local affairs. After the Second World War, these units were granted more autonomy and authority in the administration of their areas of jurisdiction. They collected taxes, administer justice and provided local services to their people. Though attempts were made at devolving power, the British intentions were ambiguous as the process had some socio-economic undertones. However vague their intentions were, they initiated the indigenes into the skills of modern governance.