The Head of State His Excellency Paul BIYA presided over the military and civilian march past in the nation’s capital on Monday 20 May 2013, that saw the presence of a special military detachment from Nigeria performing a special display to the delight of the public
Festivities to mark the 41st edition of the National on 20 May 2013 went into high gear in Yaounde this morning with the arrival of the Head of State at the ceremonial grounds. He was greeted on arrival by the Minister Delegate at the Presidency in Charge of Defence, Edgar Alain MEBE NGO’OH. The President took up seat at the grand stand after greeting the Speaker of the National Assembly, Honourable CAVAYE YEGUIE DJIBRIL, the Interim President of the Senate, Nfon Victor MUKETE, the Prime Minister Head of Government, Philemon YANG, the President of the Economic and Social Council and the President of the Supreme Court.
The march past proper was preceded by a musical display by the band of the Gendarmerie. Then began the colourful and rhythmic marching of troops: the Presidential Guard, the Military Academy (EMIA), the Gendarmerie, the Army, the Air Force, the Marines, the Fire Brigade, the Prison Warders, etc.
The military march past in Yaounde was punctuated by a brightly clad military detachment from neighbouring Nigeria, who came to participate as a sign of the growing confidence and friendship between the two brotherly countries. Their green military attire with red stripes and especially their goose step marching attracted a lot of attention and admiration from Cameroonians who heartily cheered them.
The next phase was made up of the mechanised marched past during which equipment and rolling stock of the various military units was displayed. The Commander of the troops for the day, Brigadier General MAHAMAT Ahmed KOTOKO was visibly proud of his troops when he saluted the President Paul BIYA at the end of the military parade.
True to its nature, the civilian march past was colourful and varied in nature, from small children in primary and secondary schools, to the more senior students of higher education and the very diverse colours of the nearly thirty political parties that participated in the march past in Yaounde this year. The CPDM equally dwarfed all of them with numbers and organisation, as they sang patriotic songs to display their fervour.
The Presidential Couple will receive guests at Unity Palace in continuation of the festivities. The evening will end with firework displays that will be synchronised all over the national territory. A wonderful way to mark the most important day on the calendar of all Cameroonians.
