THE CHIEF AS A FUNCTIONARY. DECENTRALISED DESPOTISM IN THE POST-TRIBAL SOCIETY IN CAMEROON

The article describes the genesis and modern manifestations of the involvement of an African state in tribal structures. The description of historical and cultural conditions and political phenomena typical of the entire continent is illustrated with examples from Cameroon. The analysis starts with the concept of post-tribal society, in which elements of culture and social structure, typical of the tribal society (traditional sources of prestige, collectivism, dominance of blood ties and ethnocentric attitudes) are mixed with institutions and principles imported from Western culture (the concept of nation, parliamentary system, social relations based on free relations and individualistic attitudes). The analysis of the legal status and political functions of tribal chiefs in the social life of Cameroon leads to the conclusion that they are de facto and de iure the modern emanation of the 'class of native intermediaries'.