The history of postage stamps in Cameroon is a rich blend of its colonial past, political transitions, and evolving identity. Here’s a detailed look into the history of postage stamps in Cameroon:

Pre-Colonial and German Cameroon (1884–1916)

• Colonial Beginnings (1884): Cameroon became a German protectorate in 1884, and in 1897, the first postage stamps for Cameroon were issued. These were overprinted stamps from Germany with the inscription “Kamerun”. The first true German colonial stamps specifically for Cameroon were issued in 1900, featuring a design of the German Kaiser’s yacht Hohenzollern.
• German Colonial Stamps: These stamps, mostly depicting the German Kaiser’s yacht, were used until 1916 when German control over Cameroon ended due to the defeat of Germany in World War I. During this period, some German stamps were surcharged with new values due to the fluctuating economy.

French and British Cameroon (1916–1960)

• Division of Cameroon: After World War I, Cameroon was divided between France and Britain under a League of Nations mandate. This division led to two distinct postal administrations.
• French Cameroon (1925–1960): French Cameroon issued its first stamps in 1925. These stamps followed the typical French colonial style, initially inscribed “Cameroun”. Early designs featured scenic landscapes and representations of local cultures. The French mandate stamps were issued until the late 1950s, leading up to independence.
• British Cameroon (1916–1960): British Cameroon, divided into Northern and Southern Cameroons, used overprinted British stamps initially. In 1927, they began issuing stamps inscribed “Cameroons under British Mandate”. The designs often mirrored British colonial stamps, with images of British monarchs such as King George VI and Queen Elizabeth II. British Cameroon stamps were used up until 1960.

3. Independence and Unification (1960–Present)

• French Cameroon Independence (1960): On January 1, 1960, French Cameroon gained independence, becoming the Republic of Cameroon. Shortly after, in 1960, the first stamps of independent Cameroon were issued. These stamps marked a shift from colonial to national themes, celebrating the country’s culture, independence, and achievements.
• Unification (1961): In 1961, British Southern Cameroons voted to join French Cameroon, forming the Federal Republic of Cameroon. This led to the issuance of unified stamps from 1961 onwards. The first stamps of the unified country depicted symbols of unity and national progress.

4. Themes and Designs of Cameroonian Stamps

• Post-Independence Era: Since independence, Cameroonian stamps have depicted a variety of themes such as:
  • National unity and political figures (e.g., President Ahmadou Ahidjo).
  • Cultural and wildlife diversity, highlighting Cameroon’s rich heritage and biodiversity.
  • International events and anniversaries, such as sporting events, the United Nations, and African unity.
• Modern Cameroonian Stamps: In more recent decades, Cameroon’s stamps have continued to emphasize national development, infrastructure, and modernization, while also focusing on environmental conservation, particularly the country’s rainforests and endangered species.

Postal Currency and Language Evolution

• Bilingual Stamps: With French and English as official languages, Cameroon’s stamps often reflect this bilingual nature. Most stamps include inscriptions in both languages, representing the country’s linguistic diversity.
• Transition to CFA Franc: Cameroon’s postal system transitioned to using the CFA franc as currency on its stamps after independence, further distancing the country from its colonial past.

Overview

The history of postage stamps in Cameroon is a fascinating reflection of the country’s political, cultural, and social history. From its German colonial roots to its current status as an independent republic, stamps have played a key role in documenting Cameroon’s journey toward nationhood and development.