Probing inter-ethnic relations between Cameroon-Nigeria: the case of Menchum Division, 1922 to 1961

• Main Author: Eric Kangha Chu
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: ISCA, University of Oxford 2019-12-01
• Series: Vestiges: Traces of Record
• Subjects: trans-border relations; nigerians; british goods; cameroon; north west province; relations transfrontalières; nigérians; fabrication britanniques; cameroun; nord- ouest province; menchum
• Online Access: http://www.vestiges-journal.info/2019/pdf/chu_2019.pdf

The paper treats inter-ethnic relations between Cameroon-Nigeria in Menchum from 1922- 1961 and cohabitation in the area. Trans-border relations under the domain of agriculture, trade and commerce, craftsmanship, transport and communication as well as in fishing and hunting which existed between polities in Menchum from small starts expanded by 1922 when the British goods came into circulation in larger quantities by informal routes. It is argued that trade relations produced different categories of people in Menchum and Nigeria who contributed to the growth of the area. Most of the Nigerian traders came and left after carrying out their trade transactions. However, a good number of them liked the area and decided to acquire land with their profits and settled there. They also employed youths who worked for them as porters or bambe.