DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjahss.2026.v14i03.003

Pages: 102-113

Cameroon is a prototype of African societies with predominant social features like cultural diversity and cultural identity. This diversity is reflected in ethnicity, language, cultural background and ideas. Before 1884, the yet to be defined territory was composed of a conglomerate of people with varied cultures, languages and ideas. European interest on African territories intensified during the second half of the 19th century and this culminated in the carving of small political entities called states, with artificial boundaries that did not recognize African cultural boundaries. It was then that African cultural societies were confined to live together irrespective of ethnic differences and cultures. Prior to the annexation of Cameroon in 1884, the Germans brought together about 250 ethnic groups to live in one political entity, making the country one of the most diversified in Africa, ethnically, linguistically and culturally which made living together difficult. This paper seeks to examine why the realisation of national integration in Cameroon since independence remains a fantasy despite government’s efforts. Using information from oral and written sources of history and adopting a suitable methodology, this paper uncovers that cultural diversity and identity played a significant role in obstructing national integration therein. As a remedy to the problem raise, the paper suggests that values like love, patriotism, removal of colonial barriers, the will to act positively for the good of all, application of the concept of equality and economic empowerment of Cameroonians by the state government could go a long way to erase the barriers and foster national unity and integration.