General Leclerc Monument

The General Leclerc Monument in Douala honors Philippe Leclerc de Hauteclocque, a key commander of the Free French Forces during World War II. The monument commemorates August 27, 1940, the day Leclerc landed in Douala to rally Cameroon to the cause of General de Gaulle and Free France. This was a pivotal moment in African history, as Cameroon became the first French-administered territory in Africa to officially break away from the Vichy regime and join the resistance. Located in a prominent square near the port and administrative district, the monument features a bronze statue of the general in military uniform atop a high stone pedestal. The inscriptions recognize the bravery of the Cameroonian volunteers who fought alongside the Free French troops in various theaters of the war. For Cameroon, this event marked the beginning of heightened military and political engagement in the global fight against Nazism. Today, the monument serves as a site for official commemorative events and stands as a symbol of the historical and military ties between Cameroon and France.

Nearby cities

Douala

Douala is the economic hub and largest city of Cameroon, located on the Wouri River with the country's most important port.

Nkongsamba

Nkongsamba is a growing city in southern and central Cameroon, surrounded by dense forests.

Edéa

Edéa is a growing city in southern and central Cameroon, surrounded by dense forests.

Melong

Melong is a growing city in southern and central Cameroon, surrounded by dense forests.

Loum

Loum is a growing city in southern and central Cameroon, surrounded by dense forests.

Manjo

Manjo is an agricultural town in the Moungo Department.

Penja

Penja is an agricultural town renowned globally for producing Penja white pepper.

Nguti

A quiet settlement hidden within dense rainforests, serving as a key entry point to the biodiverse Banyang-Mbo Wildlife Sanctuary.

Lake Ossa

Lake Ossa is a vast natural lake complex in the Littoral Region, known as a critical wildlife reserve for African manatees.

History & landmarks

Central Mosque of Douala

A magnificent Islamic place of worship in the heart of Douala, representing the growing and diverse Muslim community of the port city.

Statue of New Liberty

La Nouvelle Liberte is a massive and controversial statue in Douala, constructed from recycled scrap metal to represent the city's resili…

Wouri Bridge

The Wouri Bridge is a critical transportation link in Douala, connecting the city's main districts across the expansive Wouri River.

Reunification Stadium

This historic stadium in Douala is a bastion of local football and was built in honor of the country's unity.

Japoma Stadium

The Japoma Stadium in Douala is a modern, high-capacity sports complex that serves as a premier venue for international football and trac…

Edéa Sanaga Bridge

This old railway and road bridge crosses Cameroon's longest river in the industrial city of Edéa.

Nature

Wouri River

The river on which the city of Douala is located.

Nkam River

Known for the Ekom waterfalls.

Sanaga Delta

The Sanaga delta spreads into mangroves and estuary waters on the coast.

Sanaga River

The longest river in Cameroon, flowing into the Atlantic Ocean.

More places

Ambe Animal Station

Center for wildlife observation.

King Akwa's Palace

The palace of King Akwa in Douala is a historic site associated with the Akwa royalty and their role in the region's colonial history.

Autonomous Port of Douala

Cameroon's main commercial port on the Wouri estuary.

Old German Cemetery Douala

The Old German Cemetery in Douala contains the graves of German colonial officials and settlers from the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral

The Saints Peter and Paul Cathedral in Douala is a grand religious structure dating back to the colonial era, serving the Catholic commun…

La Pagode (King Bell's Palace)

The King Bell Palace in Douala, also known as 'La Pagode', is a striking piece of architecture that served as the residence of the Duala …

Douala Botanical Garden

The botanical gardens in Douala provide a rare green escape within the industrial city, preserving a variety of tropical plant species.

CIMENCAM Cement Plant Douala

Cimencam's Douala plant is the oldest cement factory in Cameroon, supplying the construction needs of the country's largest city and econ…