In Cameroon, from 1945 to 1961, there were many types of regional associations that globally had the following aims: preservation of traditions, promotion of solidarity, brotherhood and local development. In British Cameroons, regional associations carried out their activities without any hindrance, contrary to what happened in French Cameroons. Being apolitical from the outset, regional associations were brought into the political field by several factors, namely: the effects of the partition that took place after World War I, the desire of some Cameroonians to get support for their political parties and for themselves in elections and the French Administration will for destabilization. In the political field, regional associations voiced local claims, supported and opposed political parties and colonial administration. They also presented and supported candidates in elections. Finally, they claimed or opposed independence and reunification of Cameroon. Their political action, which was much sustained at the beginning of their nationalist orientation, progressively lost its initial intensity. At the final and very important stages of the nationalist process, regional associations were nearly absent or inactive. That was the case because of the following factors: their inability to durably conciliate regional and national interests, their internal squabbles, their lack of unity, destabilization by colonial authorities, the international status of Cameroon and political action of rival actors.
