Southern Cameroons and The United Nations Organisation

Table of Contents

1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 RESEARCH QUESTION/ HYPOTHESIS

1.2 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

1.3 RELEVANCE OF THE RESEARCH

1.4 SCOPE OF THE RESEARCH

2 CHAPTER TWO: SITUATING THE SOUTHERN CAMEROONS

2.1 HISTORICAL FACTS

2.2 TERMINATION OF THE TRUSTEESHIP AGREEMENT OVER SOUTHERN CAMEROONS

2.2.1 UN CHARTER AND RESOLUTIONS PROVISIONS

2.3 NO THIRD OPTION?

3 CHAPTER THREE: SOUTHERN CAMEROONS TRANSITION FROM 1954 TO 1972

3.1 THE PLEBISCITE IN SOUTHERN CAMEROONS

3.2 CONDUCT OF THE CAMEROUN REPUBLIC AFTER THE PLEBISCITE

3.3 THE TERMINATION PROCESS CONTRASTED WITH OTHER TRUST TERRITORIES

4 CHAPTER FOUR: FROM LA REPUBLIQUE DU CAMEROUN IN 1960, TO LA REPUBLIQUE DU CAMEROUN IN 1984

4.1 FROM FEDERAL REPUBLIC IN 1961 TO UNITED REPUBLIC IN 1972

4.2 SOUTHERN CAMEROONS IDENTITY ERASED IN 1984

4.3 END OF UN TRUSTEESHIP COUNCIL 1994

5 CHAPTER FIVE: LEGALITY OF THE TRANSITION OF SOUTHERN CAMEROONS TO INDEPENDENCE OR SELF-GOVERNMENT

5.1 LEGAL JUSTIFICATION FOR UN ACTIONS ON SOUTHERN CAMEROONS

5.2 PRINCIPLE OF UTI POSSIDETIS AND THE REPUBLIC OF CAMEROON AFTER THE 1961 JOINING

5.3 THE WAY FORWARD

6 CHAPTER SIX: FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION

6.1 FINDINGS

6.1.1 Failure of the transition from trusteeship to Independence or Self-Government

6.1.2 Southern Cameroons as a ‘People’ under International law

6.2 RECOMMENDATIONS

6.2.1 Referral to the International Court of Justice (ICJ)

6.2.2 Internal Self Determination

6.2.2.1 Confederation

6.2.2.2 Federation

6.2.3 External self-determination

6.3 CONCLUSION

Research Objectives and Core Themes

This dissertation examines the decolonization of the former Trust Territory of Southern Cameroons, specifically analyzing the United Nations' role in the application of Article 76(b) of the UN Charter and the implementation of UN General Assembly Resolution 1608 (XV). The central argument posits that the Trusteeship Council failed to supervise a proper transition of the territory, ultimately denying its people the opportunity for true independence or self-government.

• The legal responsibilities of the UN Trusteeship Council and the Administering Authority.
• The controversial 1961 UN-organized plebiscite and the subsequent "joining" process.
• Historical and legal analysis of the transition from 1954 to 1972 and the constitutional changes of 1984.
• The applicability of the principle of uti possidetis regarding Southern Cameroons.
• Recommendations for addressing the current legal and political challenges via international judicial mechanisms.

Excerpt from the Book

Chapter Summary

1 INTRODUCTION: Outlines the research hypothesis regarding the UN's failure to supervise the proper transition of Southern Cameroons as required by the UN Charter.

2 CHAPTER TWO: SITUATING THE SOUTHERN CAMEROONS: Reviews historical colonial facts and the administrative transition of the territory under the Trusteeship system.

3 CHAPTER THREE: SOUTHERN CAMEROONS TRANSITION FROM 1954 TO 1972: Examines the 1961 plebiscite and the subsequent conduct of the Republic of Cameroon, contrasting it with other trust territories.

4 CHAPTER FOUR: FROM LA REPUBLIQUE DU CAMEROUN IN 1960, TO LA REPUBLIQUE DU CAMEROUN IN 1984: Analyzes the political evolution of the territory, including the shift to a unitary state and the systematic erasure of Southern Cameroons' identity.

5 CHAPTER FIVE: LEGALITY OF THE TRANSITION OF SOUTHERN CAMEROONS TO INDEPENDENCE OR SELF-GOVERNMENT: Explores the legal justification for UN actions and the application of the principle of uti possidetis.

6 CHAPTER SIX: FINDINGS, RECOMMENDATIONS AND CONCLUSION: Synthesizes findings on the failure of decolonization and provides legal recommendations, including potential recourse to the International Court of Justice.

Keywords

Southern Cameroons, United Nations, Trusteeship Agreement, Decolonization, Self-Determination, UN Resolution 1608 (XV), Plebiscite, Independence, International Law, Uti Possidetis, Sovereignty, Constitutional History, Administering Authority, Human Rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the core subject of this research?

The research focuses on the historical and legal failures of the United Nations in supervising the decolonization and transition process of the Trust Territory of Southern Cameroons.

What are the primary themes discussed in the work?

Central themes include the role of the UN Trusteeship Council, the legitimacy of the 1961 plebiscite, political transitions from federal to unitary systems, and the right to self-determination under international law.

What is the central research question?

The work seeks to determine whether the UN fulfilled its mandate under Article 76(b) of the Charter in guiding Southern Cameroons to genuine independence or self-government.

Which scientific methodology is employed?

The research utilizes a critical legal and historical analysis of UN resolutions, international agreements, and constitutional developments to evaluate state practice and international compliance.

What content is covered in the main body?

The body chapters detail the historical background, the 1961 plebiscite, the legal challenges regarding the "joining" process with the Republic of Cameroon, and the resulting constitutional consequences.

How would you characterize this work using keywords?

Key terms include Southern Cameroons, UN Trusteeship, self-determination, international law, decolonization, and state succession.

Why is the "joining" process considered legally controversial?

The paper argues that the transition lacked the finalized "agreed and declared policies" required by UN resolutions, leaving the legal status of the territory’s integration into the Republic of Cameroon unsettled.

What recommendations does the author propose?

The author suggests that the UN should refer the matter to the International Court of Justice (ICJ) for an advisory opinion and encourages exploring avenues for internal self-determination, such as confederation or federation.