The National Day, 20th May 2014, was marked in Yaoundé by an impressive military and civilian march past that was presided over by the Head of State His Excellency Paul BIYA. The three hour event was the culmination of weeklong activities in Yaoundé and all over the national territory to celebrate the unity of the country.
The arrival of President Paul BIYA at 10 am marked the beginning of the activities at the 20th May Boulevard. He was greeted on arrival by the Minister Delegate at the Presidency in Charge of Defence, Edgard Alain MEBE NGO’O, after which he was given military honours, including the execution of the national anthem and a review of troops. The Head of State then took his seat at the grand stand where the First Lady, Madam Chantal was already seated. Also present at the table of honour was the President of the Senate, Marcel NIAT NJIFENJI; the Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable CAVAYE YEGUIE DJIBRIL; the Prime Minister Head of Government, Philemon YANG; the President of the Economic and Social Council, AYANG Luc; and the Minister Delegate at the Presidency in Charge of Defence, Edgard Alain MEBE NGO’O.
The band of the General Delegation of National Security executed a special display before the start of the march past proper. With music from the President Guard, the troops, led by General SALI MOHAMADOU, started a very colourful parade, beginning with a detachment of the army of Côte d’Ivoire, commanded by Major YAKE Charles, that was especially invited to participate in the event in Yaoundé. The various services of our Armed Forces then took turns to show their marching skills and their exemplary discipline. The military parade ended with the mechanised march past where all sorts of vehicles and equipment were on display.
As usual, the civilian parade was led by children of basic education, followed by the secondary schools, professional education and then institutions of higher learning. It was a show of bright colours and youthful exuberance. However, the advent of the political parties was very significant in that the numerous shades of opinion found their expression in the number of political parties present, over thirty of them in number. The crown of the march past was, as usual, the long train of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement, the CPDM, which thrilled the thousands of invitees present at the grand stand.
President Paul BIYA and his wife returned to Unity Palace visibly satisfied with the turn out and the enthusiasm that Cameroonians once more displayed on this day which is the climax of the national feeling and patriotism.
The Presidential Couple received thousands of invitees at Unity Palace for the reception that marks the lighter side of the festivities.
