Macron Says France To Open Archives On Cameroon Colonial Era
Sumaira FH Published July 27, 2022 | 12:00 AM
Yaound�, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 26th Jul, 2022 ) :President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday said the archives on French colonial rule in Cameroon would be opened "in full" and asked historians to shed light on the period's "painful moments".
Macron, speaking in the Cameroonian capital Yaounde, said he wanted historians from both countries to work together on investigating the past and establish "responsibilities".
French colonial authorities brutally repressed armed Cameroonian nationalists before the country's independence in 1960.
Tens of thousands of supporters of the Union of the Peoples of Cameroon (UPC) party, including independence leader Ruben Um Nyobe, were killed by the French army.
The Cameroonian army under the country's first post-independence leader Ahmadou Ahidjo also slayed UPC fighters.
Former president Francois Hollande in 2015 conceded that France's colonial past in Cameroon brought "tragic" moments and said he was open to opening the archives.
A group of Cameroonian political parties on Monday called on Macron to recognise the "crimes" France committed during the colonial era.
A French diplomat said providing access to military and diplomatic archives would allow historians to complete their work on Cameroon, after which political action could be taken.
Macron's comments came on the first leg of a trip to three African countries where he hopes to reset France's relations with the continent, where many nations are former French colonies.
- Turning the page - The 44-year-old has made concerted efforts to turn the page on painful episodes in France's past.
The first French president born after Algeria's bitter and protracted independence war ended, Macron called the colonisation of the country "a crime against humanity" and said it was time France "looked our past in the face".
He also commissioned a report by Algerian-born French historian Benjamin Stora on the colonial era in the North African country, although he ruled out making an official apology.
Recent Stories
Provincial Transport Minister Bilal Akbar Khan visits general bus stand, inspect ..
Director General HDA for completing development work on Gulistan-e-Sarmast Hous ..
EU parliament's youngest lawmaker eyes re-election
Fake chilli factory unearthed
10 dead as floods wreak havoc in Kenyan capital
WASA launches comprehensive campaign to test quality of water
Food Authority team conducts operation in Jackson market harbor area
KCP Captain Shahzaib Rind calls on Balochistan CM
PNCA to organize folk, classical & Sufi dance performances on Int'l Dance Day
Chief Minister Gilgit Baltistan Haji Gulbar Khan calls on Minister for Privatis ..
Germany nudges up growth forecast, ailing economy at 'turning point'
USC to hold ‘E-Kachehry' on April 25 (tomorrow)
More Stories From Miscellaneous
-
PDMA predicts gusty wind, rain with thunder, hails
1 day ago -
Iranian president Raisi given guard of honour at PM House
2 days ago -
Intellectuals, writers accolades Naseer Mirza on his literary contribution
3 days ago -
Bahawalpur Adabi Sangat hosts memorable mushaira
3 days ago -
Cattle farming vital to alleviate poverty in rural areas
3 days ago -
Pakistan: A land of tourism, archeological wonders
3 days ago
-
Transforming education sector: from job hunters to job creators
5 days ago -
Amjad Bobby remembered on 19th death anniversary for timeless contributions to music
9 days ago -
Legendary actor Nadeem’s 26 films released on Eid-ul-Fitr days in 50 years
10 days ago -
Besant Hall Cultural Centre to celebrate evening with Sanam Marvi on 26 April
10 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur presents program “Eidi Shidi”
13 days ago -
Radio Bahawalpur to broadcast Eid programs
15 days ago