Les infrastructures stratégiques au Cameroun sous administration française (1946- 1960)

Abstract

This research work is titled "Strategic infrastructures in Cameroon under French administration (1946 to 1960)". It draws its genesis from a particular interest in colonial literature dealing with infrastructure as a driving force for the development of Cameroon by France in the aftermath of the Second World War. This study aims to show that France has built strategic civil and military infrastructures in Cameroon, financed on the one hand, by the Investment Fund for Economic and Social Development (F.I.D.E.S) and on the other hand, by the French Military High Command installed in Cameroon. By reviewing the philosophy of this structure, this study shows that France created the F.I.D.E.S. as a tool to resolve its geopolitical and strategic ambitions in Africa. By building these infrastructures in Cameroon, the strategic pivot of France's new military doctrine in the Gulf of Guinea, this country intended to control Central Africa from Cameroon, which had enormous resources allowing it to carry out its imperial project. . The establishment of these strategic infrastructures in Cameroon came up against the demands of nationalists who demanded the independence of the country; but these transformed into armed rebellion in the face of colonial repression and France's refusal to satisfy their demand. To secure the infrastructure built and guarantee its control over Cameroon, France deployed its colonial army there to crush nationalist fighters like Ruben Um Nyobè. It is therefore appropriate to analyze how and to what extent the strategic infrastructures built in Cameroon by France contributed to the defense of Central Africa and the perpetuation of French colonization in this country. This study is based on original archival sources drawn in particular from the exploitation of the archives of the Historical Service of the Archives of the Army (S.H.A.T.) of France, the national archives of Yaoundé, oral sources, the exploitation numerous works, dissertations, theses and articles. The methodology adopted for this study is based on two approaches to international relations, namely realist theory and constructivism. Ultimately, the results of this study show that France was in crisis and needed resources. It is for this reason that it had built infrastructures first, to reposition itself on the geostrategic level in order to ensure the defense of the A.E.F. and then, to restore its bloodless economy from the resources transited or captured in Cameroon.