Cameroonian Community In Ireland (CAMI)
The CAMI was founded in 2005 by Cameroonians from Dublin. It is incorporated in Ireland and has been approved as a non-profit organisation by the Revenue Commissioner.
Its present officers (2009) are Clement CHAWOUA- President, Yves DANSI- Vice-president, Pierre KENMOGNE- Secretary, Guy PIWELE- Treasurer and Bertrand TCHOKOUALEU- Financial Secretary.
The association exists to gather Cameroonians eager to build a plain and interdependent group in which they will share their anguishes, their sorrows and joys. It helps with the integration of Cameroonians (new in particular) in Ireland through a service of reception, information and orientation.
Country Information
Country Facts
Between 200 and 500 BC, the first Bantus emigrated in Cameroon from Northern Nigeria. A Portuguese expedition reached the coast of Cameroon in 1472, sailed up the Wouri river and then named it "Rio Dos Camaroes" meaning the "Prawn River" because they found prawns in such abundance. In doing so, they gave the country its name.
With the arrival of Europeans the focus of slave trade shifted to the coastal areas. Deals were also made with traders from England , Holland, France and Germany. The Dutch later took over the slave trade. British missionaries started protesting against the slave trade. When slavery finally died out, trade changed to natural resources like palm oil, ivory and gold.
The British were reluctant to make Cameroon a British protectorate. As a result of this hesitation the Germans won the territory and named the country "Kamerun".
War World I broke out in 1916 and as a result, France and Britain finally forced Germany out of the country.
In 1924, the first president was born and on February 13th, 1933, the second was born.
In 1960, the president proclaimed Independence, and in 1982 he stepped down. In 1984, Paul Biya won 99.98% of the votes in a presidential election where he was the only candidate.
Cameroon is a unitary republic of central and western Africa. The country is called "Africa in miniature" for its geological and cultural diversity. Natural features include beaches, deserts, mountains, rainforests and savannas. The highest point is Mount Cameroon in the south west (4095m high). The capital of the country is Yaounde and the largest city is Douala. At 475,442 square km, Cameroon is the world's 53rd largest country. The population is estimated at 19 million at present. The temperature ranges from 22 to 25 0C. The population is, on the whole, young. An estimated 41% are under 15 and 97% are under 65. The life expectancy is 51years. The country has more than 200 ethnic groups.
The Cameroon football team has been one of the most successful in the world since its strong showing in the World Cup 1990. Cameroon has won four African Cups and the gold medal at the 2000 Olympics.