Buea

Buea-SWR-Cameroon

Buea, located at the foot of Mount Cameroon, has a rich history rooted in colonial, traditional, and modern influences. Originally, Buea was home to the Bakweri people, who are indigenous to the area. It gained prominence during the German colonial period, serving as the capital of German Kamerun from 1901 to 1916. The Germans developed Buea’s infrastructure, including roads and some colonial buildings that still stand today.

After World War I, Buea, along with the rest of German Kamerun, was divided between Britain and France, with Buea becoming part of British-controlled Southern Cameroons. During this period, Buea continued as an administrative center, with colonial architecture and influences shaping its development. In 1961, following the reunification of French and British Cameroons, Buea remained important in the Southwest Region.

Today, Buea is known for its cultural diversity, as well as educational institutions like the University of Buea. Its proximity to Mount Cameroon, one of Africa’s highest peaks, has made it a hub for tourism, attracting visitors for the annual Mount Cameroon Race of Hope and other cultural events.

Histoire Brève de Buea

Buea, située au pied du mont Cameroun, est une ville historique et administrative du sud-ouest du Cameroun. Elle a été fondée au XIXe siècle par les Bakweri, un peuple autochtone de la région. Pendant la période coloniale allemande (1884-1916), Buea a servi de capitale du Cameroun allemand, marquant son importance politique et stratégique.

C’est durant cette époque que plusieurs infrastructures, comme la résidence du gouverneur, connue sous le nom de “Palais du Gouverneur”, ont été construites. Après la défaite de l’Allemagne lors de la Première Guerre mondiale, le Cameroun a été placé sous mandat britannique et français, et Buea est devenue un centre administratif sous la domination britannique.

Aujourd’hui, Buea est connue pour son climat frais, ses institutions éducatives, dont l’Université de Buea, et ses attractions naturelles, notamment le mont Cameroun, la plus haute montagne d’Afrique centrale. La ville reste un symbole important de l’histoire et de la culture camerounaises.