Cameroon celebrated its 54th National Day on 20 May 2026 with a grand military and civilian parade along the 20th May Boulevard, presided over by President Paul BIYA and attended by the First Lady, Mrs Chantal BIYA.
This year’s celebrations, held under the theme “National Unity: Backbone of our Defence System, Bedrock of Cameroon’s Development”, highlighted national cohesion as the foundation of the country’s security architecture and the driving force behind its socio-economic progress. The event commemorates the 1972 referendum that established the Unitary State.
President Paul BIYA, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, reviewed the parade as impeccably turned-out contingents from various units marched with precision and pride. The military display was led by Brigadier General Guy Merlin Chembou Zambou, Commander of the First Sector of the Multinational Joint Force of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.
A standout moment was the participation of a special detachment from the Chadian Army. Their disciplined and impressive march earned sustained applause from the crowd and officials alike. The presence of the Chadian troops underscored the strong fraternal ties and deepening security cooperation between Yaounde and Ndjamena, particularly in the fight against terrorism in the Lake Chad Basin.
Mrs Chantal BIYA, elegantly attired and radiant, closely followed the proceedings. She shared warm exchanges with the Head of State while enthusiastically applauding the marchers, showing special appreciation for women living with disabilities and the vibrant performance by the Women’s Wing of the Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM).
This colourful ceremony brought together units from the Army, Navy, Air Force, police, gendarmerie and motorised divisions, alongside civilian groups and students. All displayed exemplary discipline, patriotism and national unity in a vibrant spectacle of colour and pageantry.
The day concluded with a reception hosted by the Presidential Couple at Unity Palace.
