The flag of Cameroon consists of three vertical stripes – green, red, and yellow. At the center of the flag is a yellow five-pointed star. The flag has a rich history dating back to the colonial period and has gone through several modifications over the decades to represent the changing nation of Cameroon. In this article, we will explore the symbolism, colors, and design of the Cameroonian flag. We will also look at the historical context that shaped its evolution.
History of the Cameroonian Flag
The first version of the flag of Cameroon dates back to the German colonial period. Cameroon was declared a German protectorate in 1884. The Germans introduced a flag with a white field and a red diagonal cross. This was similar to the flag of the German Empire at the time. The British took over Cameroon in 1918 during World War 1. They modified the existing German flag by adding a Union Jack and a golden five-pointed star in the canton. This flag was used until 1961 when Cameroon gained independence from the British and French.
After the French took over the larger part of Cameroon in 1920, they introduced the French Tricolour flag. This had vertical stripes of blue, white and red. In 1957, the Southern Cameroons delegation in Lancaster House London developed a flag with two stripes – green to represent forests in the south and red for the blood shed by freedom fighters in the north. This formed the basis of the future national flag.
When French Cameroon gained independence in 1960, president Ahmadou Ahidjo retained the French Tricolour with some modifications. Two yellow stars were added to signify the federation between French and British Cameroons. The British Cameroons joined soon after in 1961, and a new national flag was adopted. This flag kept the green and red stripes from the earlier versions. The third yellow stripe was added along with a yellow star at the center. This current design continues to be used as the national flag of Cameroon today.
Symbolism of the Flag
The national flag of Cameroon incorporates the traditional Pan-African colors – green, yellow, and red. Each color has a specific meaning:
| Green | Represents the forests and rich agricultural landscape of Cameroon |
| Red | Stands for the unity and blood shed by freedom fighters |
| Yellow | Signifies the sun, savanna grasslands, and natural wealth |
The star at the heart of the flag stands for unity. The coming together of various regions and peoples is represented by the star which brings balance and harmony to the design. The vertical stripes show that these diverse components stand side by side, hand in hand as a nation.
The proportions of the stripes are also symbolic. The green stripe takes up two-fifths of the length. This represents the majority Francophone population which makes up 80% of Cameroon. The red stripe takes up one-fifth to represent the minority Anglophone population in the southern regions. The central yellow stripe takes up the remaining two-fifths and represents unity & the savanna/grasslands regions.
Flag Specifications
The national flag of Cameroon follows a specific set of size, color and design guidelines as per the Constitution:
– Dimensions: The green stripe takes up 40% of the flag length while the red and yellow stripes take up 20% each. The total length is double the height.
– Colors: The official color shades are:
– Green – Pantone 347
– Red – Pantone 186
– Yellow – Pantone 123
– The star: The star is centered at the intersection of the stripes. It has a diameter equal to one-third of the flag height. The star has five points.
– Design: The three vertical stripes are of equal width and run across the full length/ breadth of the flag. They are parallel to the flagpole. The yellow star is upright at the center.
The exact specifications allow Cameroonians across the world to recreate the flag accurately in a show of patriotism and unity. It is also used by state institutions and diplomatic missions which must adhere to the constitutional guidelines.
Usage of the Flag
As a national symbol, the flag of Cameroon is hoisted at various locations and occasions across the country. Some prominent uses include:
– Flying atop the parliament building, presidential palace, government offices, courts, ministries etc. It is a permanent fixture here.
– Display on civilian locations like schools, universities, public monuments, stadiums, community halls, residential colonies on national days and holidays.
– Carried by military contingents and paraded during Independence Day (May 20) and National Day (January 1) celebrations. Also used in swearing-in ceremonies of high officials.
– Mounted on ships registered in Cameroon and at ports/harbors.
– Incorporated into the logo, documents, insignia of Ministries, uniforms of civil servants, sports teams etc.
– Carried by the President of Cameroon on official state visits and diplomatic meetings.
– Used by ordinary citizens on clothing, vehicles, houses etc. to display nationalism.
Desecration of the flag in public is considered an offence under Cameroon law. Overall, the flag enjoys a place of great respect among Cameroonians.
Historical Flags
As discussed before, the flag of Cameroon had several predecessor designs before the current tri-color version:
| 1884 – 1918 | German Colonial Flag |
| 1918 – 1957 | British Colonial Flag |
| 1957 – 1960 | Independence movement flag |
| 1960 – 1961 | Federal Republic Flag |
| 1961 – Present | Current National Flag |
The early flags reflected colonial powers while later designs brought in the green-red-yellow color symbolism. There were also other versions with the French Tricolour used briefly. While the flag has evolved over the decades, the basic spirit of unity and liberation has remained unchanged.
Comparison With Other African Flags
Cameroon incorporated the traditional Pan-African colors in its flag. Many other African countries use the same color scheme drawing inspiration from Ethiopia’s national banner. Some examples:
– Senegal – The flag also has green, yellow and red stripes arranged vertically. But Senegal has a green star at the center.
– Ghana – It has horizontal stripes of red, gold and green with a black star. The Pan-African colors are similarly used.
– Mali – The flag has vertical stripes in green, gold and red like Cameroon but it has some unique symbols.
– Kenya – Kenya’s flag has a primarily black and red theme along with white fimbriations and a Maasai shield.
– Nigeria – The flag has a tricolor of green, white, green but the vertical alignment sets it apart.
So while the basic colors are common, Cameroon has a unique central yellow star to distinguish itself from fellow African countries. The star gives it a more balanced and harmonious look.
Use Internationally
The national flag of Cameroon is flown at Cameroonian embassies, high commissions, consulates, and other diplomatic premises abroad. For example, the tricolor flies high on a flagpole outside the Cameroon Embassy in Washington DC. The flag represents the Cameroonian government and its ambassador in foreign lands.
Cameroon also uses the national flag at United Nations offices, multilateral meetings like the Commonwealth Summit, international cultural festivals, and global sporting events like the Olympics and FIFA World Cup where it fields a national team.
The Cameroonian diaspora also enthusiastically displays the flag during national days, public events, restaurants, community halls etc. as a way of staying connected with their origins. Overall, the prominence given to the flag globally signifies Cameroon’s independent identity.
Conclusion
The national flag of Cameroon is a proud symbol of the country’s unity in diversity. The interplay of the green, red and yellow reflects the pluralistic nature of the society and its people. The yellow star embodies togetherness and harmony. The flag retains links to its colonial past through the color symbolism while adapting it to represent the modern aspirations of the nation. It inspires patriotism and celebrates the independent spirit of Cameroon. The flag flies high internally and is also recognized globally as the mark of Cameroon.
