Ancien Commissariat de Police: Echoes of Colonial Douala

The Ancien Commissariat de Police, located in Douala's administrative district of Bonanjo, is a monument that whispers tales of Cameroon's colonial era. Constructed at the beginning of the 20th century under German administration, it initially served as the city's first police station. The building's architecture reflects the Prussian style favored by the Germans, a stark contrast to the surrounding landscape.However, the Ancien Commissariat's history is also marked by a tragic event. 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 on August 8, 1914, from a tree that once stood on the grounds. Only a stump remains as a somber reminder of this event.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 compelling sight for those interested in history and architecture. Its location in the bustling Bonanjo district makes it easily accessible and a worthwhile stop on any Douala itinerary.