In a significant move towards national integration, East and West Cameroon made the historic decision to unite, forming the Federal Republic of Cameroon. This union was formalized on 1st October 1961, following a United Nations-organized plebiscite that left the majority of the population in favor of joining the two previously administered territories: the British-administered Southern Cameroons and the French-administered East Cameroon. The motivation behind this merger stemmed from the desire to create a stable, unified state that could better navigate the complexities of post-colonial governance while representing the diverse groups that inhabited the territory.

The merger was not merely a political maneuver but also represented a broader cultural and social confluence of the various ethnic groups, rich traditions, and languages within the new republic. The leadership under President Ahmadou Ahidjo, who transformed his government towards a one-party state, emphasized national unity and economic development as primary objectives. Challenges remained, including tensions between Anglophone and Francophone populations and the need to address their distinct identities and rights within the federal system.

In the wake of this merger, citizens of the newly formed nation looked toward self-governance while grappling with the legacies of differing colonial experiences. As various socio-political dynamics unfolded, discussions regarding decentralization, education, and linguistic rights emerged yet were often overshadowed by central government's agenda in subsequent years. The Federal Republic of Cameroon thus set the stage for political developments and regional conflicts that would shape the country's subsequent history as it strived for cohesion and accountability.