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Monument of Colonel Leclerc: A Historical Landmark in Yaoundé

A tribute to Colonel Leclerc & Cameroon's role in WWII, this Yaoundé landmark offers a glimpse into Franco-Cameroonian history.

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The Monument of Colonel Leclerc stands as a tribute to Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque, a Free French general who played a crucial role in World War II. Located in Yaoundé, Cameroon, the monument commemorates Leclerc's appointment as Governor of French Cameroon by General de Gaulle in 1940 and the country's support for Free France.

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Local tips

  • Visit during the day for better visibility and to fully appreciate the monument's details.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to other nearby attractions in Yaoundé.
  • Take a moment to reflect on the historical significance of the monument and its role in Franco-Cameroonian relations.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Monument of Colonel Leclerc is located in Quartier du Lac, Yaoundé. From most points in the city center, it is accessible by foot. Use the Cathédrale de Yaoundé as a reference point and walk northeast. The monument is located near the Quartier du Lac borough.

  • Public Transport

    While Yaoundé has limited formal public transportation, shared taxis are a common mode of transport. You can catch a shared taxi heading towards the city center and ask to be dropped off near the Monument of Colonel Leclerc. Be sure to confirm with the driver that the destination is along their route. A short trip costs approximately 250 CFA francs during the day and 300 CFA francs at night.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available throughout Yaoundé. Negotiate a fare with the driver to the Monument of Colonel Leclerc. A 5km ride in Yaounde costs about 1500 XAF. Taxis can be hailed from the street.

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Discover more about Monument of Colonel Leclerc

The Monument of Colonel Leclerc is a historical site situated in the heart of Yaoundé, Cameroon. It honors Colonel Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque, a significant figure in French history. In 1940, Leclerc was appointed as the Commander of French Cameroon by General Charles de Gaulle. This appointment was pivotal in rallying Cameroon to the cause of Free France during World War II. Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque (1902-1947) was a Free-French general during World War II. Born into an aristocratic family, he graduated from École spéciale militaire de Saint-Cyr, the French military academy, in 1924. Leclerc is known in France simply as *le maréchal Leclerc* or just Leclerc. The monument serves as a reminder of Cameroon's role in supporting the Free French forces and the broader Allied effort during the war. Leclerc's leadership and the strategic importance of French Cameroon contributed significantly to the Free French cause. Today, the monument stands as a symbol of Franco-Cameroonian history and a testament to the enduring relationship between the two countries. It is a place of remembrance and reflection, inviting visitors to learn about a crucial period in history and the individuals who shaped it.

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