National Day 2025 : Harnessing Togetherness For Better Prosperity

Cameroon’s riches in diversity have once again been brought to the fore as citizens from all walks of life and across the country have demonstrated anew that holding unto what unites them can make for a better country where all and sundry live in quietude and hopefulness, daily challenges notwithstanding. The 53rd edition of the country’s National Day, a remembrance of the 1972 historic poll in which the hitherto East Cameroon (formerly French Cameroun) and West Cameroon (previously British Cameroons) decided to become one and forge ahead a common destiny, was yesterday May 20, 2025 celebrated with all deserving grandeur. An ideal moment to once again highlight Army-Nation growing concord absolutely needed to keep the nation above varied challenges. This is in line with this year’s theme: “Army and Nation United for a Cameroon Turned Towards Peace and Prosperity.” 
The splendour of the celebrations hit the ceiling with the arrival of the presiding Head of State at over midday, shortly after that of First Lady, Mrs Chantal Biya. Seriousness was visible on every face. Anxiety mounting as the boulevard was jam-packed with military, civilian population, guests of the Head of State and even ordinary Cameroonians who thronged the surroundings of the ceremonial ground to live the thought-provoking ceremony.
After his welcome by the Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Joseph Beti Assomo, singing of the national anthem and motorized review of troops, with admiration from the public, the stage was fully set for the military and civilian parade. An exciting display of patriotism that aligned with the theme of the 53rd National Day.
In a show of hospitality, the pride of place was given to the visiting detachment of the Armed Forces from Nigeria who; like in 2018, thrilled onlookers with their majestic marching steps. Their electrifying performance in front of the Presidential tribune was reminiscent of the friendly and mutual relations Cameroon entertains with the brotherly country. The principal band of the Army performed the Carousel depicting Cameroon’s linguistic and cultural riches diversity. This flagged off the military parade, which ranged from the Squadron of the Presidential Guard Foot Troops, Combined Services Military Academy, to other detachments of the military, gendarmerie, police, penitentiary and customs. Orders from the Commanding Officer; Air Force Brigadier General, Bède Benoit Eba Eba, Commander of the Second Joint Military Region, added colour to the show of strength and love for country.
The civilian parade was another attraction as selected schools in Yaounde and political parties gave the Head of State and his guests a memorable moment. Being an electoral year, the country’s political parties represented in Parliament came out en masse to demonstrate that though they might differ in ideology, the welfare of the country remains supreme. A sign of democratic vitality and country first that all citizens, irrespective of their political leanings, should strive to kill the dangerous surge in hate speech, bitter...