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Ancien Commissariat de Police: Echoes of Colonial History

Witness to history: The Old Police Station in Douala, a landmark of German colonial rule and Cameroonian resistance.

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The Ancien Commissariat de Police (Old Police Station) in Douala's Bonanjo district stands as a stark reminder of Cameroon's German colonial past. Built in the early 20th century, it witnessed pivotal moments, including the unjust sentencing of resistance leaders Rudolf Douala Manga Bell and his secretary Adolf Ngosso Din. Today, it houses the administrative services of the Merchant Navy, a silent testament to a turbulent history.

A brief summary to Ancien Commissariat de Police

  • 279 Rue Victoria, Douala, Bonanjo, CM

Local tips

  • Observe the building's architecture; it's a classic example of early 20th-century German colonial design.
  • Combine your visit with a walk around Bonanjo, known for its mix of colonial and modern architecture.
  • Reflect on the historical significance of the site and the events that took place there.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre et Paul in Bonanjo, walk east along Rue de la Liberté. Turn left onto Rue Victoria; the Ancien Commissariat de Police will be on your right at 279 Rue Victoria. The walk is approximately 5-10 minutes. No costs involved.

  • Public Transport

    From Akwa, you can take a local bus or shared taxi ('bendskin') heading towards Bonanjo. Ask to be dropped off near Rue Victoria. From there, walk a short distance to 279 Rue Victoria. Bus/taxi fare: approximately 200-300 XAF.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Douala. A short taxi ride from Akwa or the Douala city center to the Ancien Commissariat de Police will cost approximately 1500 XAF. Ensure the driver knows the location at 279 Rue Victoria.

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Discover more about Ancien Commissariat de Police

The Ancien Commissariat de Police, located in the administrative heart of Bonanjo, Douala, is a historical landmark that encapsulates a significant chapter in Cameroon's colonial narrative. Constructed by the German administration in the early 1900s, the building initially served as the central police station during the German mandate. Its walls, however, bear witness to a darker episode in Cameroonian history. In 1914, the Commissariat became the site of the trial and sentencing of King Rudolf Douala Manga Bell and his secretary, Adolf Ngosso Din. These leaders were vocal opponents of the German governor's decree that sought to expropriate native lands in areas like Joss, Bonapriso, Akwa, and Deido. This decree violated the land sovereignty agreement established in 1884 between the Duala kings and the German Empire. The German administration's decision to seize land along the Wouri River and create a segregated 'free zone' led to the unjust arrest and execution of Manga Bell and Ngosso Din. Today, the Ancien Commissariat de Police houses the administrative services of the Merchant Navy. While it is not open for tours, its imposing facade serves as a powerful reminder of Douala's complex past. The building stands as a symbol of colonial power, resistance, and the enduring struggle for justice and self-determination in Cameroon.

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