Autochthony and ethnic cleansing in the post-colony: the 1966 Tombel disturbances in Cameroon

摘要: Introduction Since the 1990s growing attention has been paid in literature to rapid spread of autochthony discourses on African continent, leading sometimes violent exclusion supposed "strangers" and various forms ethnic cleansing.1 Most authors tend attribute recent obsession with "politics belonging" Africa elsewhere processes globalization. They refer particular political economic liberalization threat that multi-party politics poses authoritarian regimes. The renewed importance elections makes "belonging" a central issue. Groups claim be autochthonous certain territory fear being outvoted by strangers, questions such as who can vote where, or even more importantly, stand candidate, become points fierce contestation.2 In many countries, regimes have quick use notions major strategy divide defeat opposition.3 Indeed, it is striking how easily these abandoned post-independence ideals national integration, nation building, citizenship their desperate efforts stay power face massive opposition. are becoming increasingly inclined encourage distinction between "ethnie citizens" "ethnic strangers" stimulate movements.4 It worth noting, for instance, Biya government Cameroon promulgated new constitution 1996 offered support movements. telling contrast previous (1972) emphasized integration equal rights all citizens, including right "to settle any place move about freely," promised special state protection minorities.5 However, soon became evident this remained restricted those minorities appeared distance themselves from While acknowledging an intensification issues globalization era, evidenced penetration very heart politics, some scholars nevertheless emphasize long history tensions Africa, going back far pre-colonial times.6 would too simplistic explain upsurge during merely terms manipulation Such successful only because appeals deep emotional feelings below result long-standing autochthony-allochthony divisions society. Recent studies demonstrate policies regime particularly South West Province Anglophone where long-running autochthons allochthons provided explosive material could manipulated used entrepreneurs.7 may seen exceptional region along coast sense plantation economy was established there German colonial rule (1884-1916), encouraged large scale migration other parts Nigeria.8 A proportion migrants originated Francophone Grassfields, present North Provinces. relevant our further discussion point out here group Province, Bamileke, ethnically related groups Province. creation boundary British French mandate trust territories after First World War responsible complex, somewhat ambiguous, relations both sides border. On one hand, border laid foundation construction identities, cleavages groups. …