How far did the Loi Cardre satisfy the aspirations f the French people in the 1950s?
In an attempt to grant French Cameroon internal self Government, the French national Assembly in June 1956 passed the Loi Cardre as well known as Differe Laws. the Loi Cardre was a law on administrative decentralization passed by the French National assembly in order to prepare French colonies for internal self government. The passing of the Loi cardre was influenced by both a number of events within and out of Cameroon. For instance, the UPC revolt of May 1955, the bloody and bitter colonial war of independence launched by Front Liberation national (FLN) in Algeria 1954 as well as the defeat of France at the battle of Dien Bien Phu in Indo-China in 1954.
Reasons for the Loi Cardre
France was a victim of many anti-colonial wars particularly in Indo-China, Algeria and Cameroon.
The UPC called for immediate independence for Cameroon and increasing pressure on France to liberate her over sea colonies prepared the stage for independence there by passing the Loi Cardre.
In the early 1950s, the French government was increasing criticized and asked to review her colonial policy in favor of total decolonization.
The passing of the Loi Cardre was influenced by British decision to liberate her over sea colonies.
The Provisions / Strength of the Loi Cardre
Because of the Loi Cardre, the Territorial Assembly of Cameroon (ATCAM) created in 1952 was desolved and replaced with the Legislative Assembly of Cameroon (ALCAM) in 1956.
The passing of the Loi Cardre influenced the formation of many more political parties in order to prepare for general election into ALCAM
Union Cameroonaise (UN) Ahmadou Ahidjo.
Democrat Cameroonaise ( Andre Marie Mbida DC )
Thanks to the Loi Cardre, universal Adult suffrage was granted ( i.e all those eligible to vote were allowed to vote. This greatly increased native participation in the election of their own leaders in ALCAM.
The old Dual Electoral college was replaced with the single electoral college.
The Loi cardre gave French Cameroon the right to set up an executive council with the post of thye PM who was allowed to appoint 9 ministers in his cabinet. This cause of the Loi Cardre enabled Mbida after the 1956 elections to be the first PM of French Cameroon.
The Weaknesses of the Loi Cardre
Despite the passing of the Loi Cardre, the French National Assembly or parliament still had open ended powers to make law in French Cameroon.
French district officers and public servants were free of control by the local French authorities.
The Cardre failed to grant French Cameroon full or total authonomy. For instance, the French high commission still had right over sensitive areas like foreign affairs, currency and defence.
The Loi Cardre also failed to include complete self government or independence for French Cameroon.
Also the Cardre failed to provide solution to the UPC crisis. consequently, voilence between the UPC rebels and government troops contributed after the passing of the cardre.
Although the PM was given the power to appoint his own ministers, cabinet meetings in French Cameroon were still presided over by the French High Commission.
ALCAM could only propose reforms but could not implement them without consulting the French NA