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Ancien Commissariat de Police: Echoes of Colonial History

Explore Douala's Ancien Commissariat de Police, a landmark of German colonial architecture and a site of pivotal historical events.

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The Ancien Commissariat de Police, located in Douala's Bonanjo district, is a historical landmark dating back to the German colonial era. Its architecture reflects the Prussian style of the time, and it stands as a reminder of Douala's complex past.

A brief summary to Ancien Commissariat de Police

  • 279 Rue Victoria, Douala, Bonanjo, CM

Local tips

  • Take a walk around the Bonanjo neighborhood to experience the vibrant atmosphere surrounding the Ancien Commissariat de Police.
  • Combine your visit with other nearby historical sites to immerse yourself in Douala's rich heritage.
  • Remember that the interior might not be open to the public, so focus on admiring the architecture from the outside.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    If you are in the Akwa neighborhood, a walk to the Ancien Commissariat de Police is straightforward. Start at the Akwa market and head east on Rue de la Liberté until you reach the intersection with Rue Victoria. Turn left onto Rue Victoria, and continue walking straight; the Ancien Commissariat de Police will be on your right at 279 Rue Victoria. Walking is free.

  • Public Transport

    While Douala doesn't have a formal public transit system, various private bus companies operate in the city. Check for local bus routes that pass near Rue Victoria in Bonanjo. Bus fares typically cost around 250 XAF.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are a common mode of transport in Douala. You can hail a taxi from most parts of the city. A short taxi ride to the Ancien Commissariat de Police should cost approximately 1500 XAF. Be sure to negotiate the fare before starting your journey.

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Discover more about Ancien Commissariat de Police

The Ancien Commissariat de Police, or Old Police Station, is a significant historical building in Douala, Cameroon, located in the administrative district of Bonanjo. Constructed at the beginning of the 20th century during the German colonial period, it served as the city's first police station under German administration. The building's architecture is a reflection of classical Prussian design, a style favored by the German colonizers. More than just an architectural relic, the Ancien Commissariat de Police holds a somber place in Cameroonian history. In 1914, it was the site where King Rudolf Douala Manga Bell and his secretary, Adolf Ngosso Din, were unjustly sentenced to death. Their crime was opposing a decree that ordered the expropriation and resettlement of native Duala people from their ancestral lands. The two men were imprisoned within the Commissariat, condemned, and subsequently hanged. Today, the Ancien Commissariat de Police houses the administrative services of the Merchant Navy. While the interior may not be accessible for extensive tours, the building's exterior remains a powerful reminder of Douala's colonial past and the struggle for Cameroonian sovereignty. The surrounding Bonanjo neighborhood adds to the location's charm with its bustling streets and vibrant atmosphere.

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