Evolution and Challenges in Governance of the Mankon kingdom, Cameroon

Evolution and Challenges in Governance of the Mankon Kingdom, Cameroon examines transformations experienced by the indigenous political administration of the Mankon kingdom of Cameroon. It is analysed from the pre-colonial period (under King Angwafo II), through colonial rule (under King Ndefru III), to the federal and subsequently, unitary governments (under King Angwafo III). The main findings reveals that, seven autonomous kingdoms settle on Mankon territory because of security reasons. This resulted in the formation of a Confederacy that lasted between c.1800 and 1891. It collapsed due to the influence of German colonial rule in Cameroon. German battles with Mankon in 1891, 1895 and 1902 and later the British Indirect Rule policy from 1916 to 1961 posed as major challenges among others, to the system of traditional governance in Mankon. However, the system stayed on despite views from modernization theorists that it would fade away as a result of the unbearable nature of the challenges. This is a work for general knowledge on governance as well as to policy makers concerned with customary practices.