[1] At the conclusion of the First World War, the Treaty of Versailles divided German Kamerun between France and the United Kingdom, with what would become West Cameroon becoming the southern region of British administered Cameroon.

As part of the process of decolonization, voters were asked in a referendum held in 1961 whether they wished to join either Nigeria or Cameroon.

[2][3] West Cameroon was to enjoy autonomy within the federation, with its own legislature and regional government.

Following a referendum held on 20 May 1972, a new constitution came to effect on 2 June 1972, which reconstituted Cameroon as a unitary state.

A nationalist movement, which seeks to establish an independent state, to be known as Ambazonia, exists in the region resulting in an armed conflict breaking out in 2017.