FECAFOOT Partners With Memorial Hospital Group To Enhance Player Care

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) has signed a framework agreement with the Turkish Memorial Hospital Group and MEMORIAL Cameroon, granting current and former Cameroonian footballers access to high-quality health care, including medical evacuations to Turkey if necessary.

**Cross Section of officials during the signing ceremony** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

The deal was signed on Friday, June 5, in Yaounde. The ceremony was attended by Samuel Eto’o Fils, who signed on behalf of FECAFOOT, and Hacim Carikli, director of International Region Memorial. H.E. Volkan Öskiper, Turkish ambassador to Cameroon, also attended the event.

Speaking during the ceremony, Öskiper praised the two parties for reaching a landmark deal. He described the agreement as aiming to promote the well-being of athletes who have contributed to Cameroon’s national and international standing.

For Carikli, the agreement is geared toward accompanying Cameroonian footballers when they have injuries and ensuring they are fully recovered when they are down.

Eto’o stated his happiness that a serious deal had been sealed, a deal that is geared toward the benefit of the players. He added that playing football is not just about playing like what is being seen.

**Both parties signed their MoUs** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

“Playing football is a whole bunch of things. First of all, health, which allows us to go and get the victories that we are looking for is important and once again, our executive committee wanted to go a little further,” he said.

Eto’o noted that high-level football exposes athletes to significant physical demands that may require specialized care, sometimes unavailable locally. He said that aware of this reality, FECAFOOT entered into discussions with the Memorial Hospital Group, an institution recognized for its multidisciplinary medical expertise and state-of-the-art equipment.

According to FECAFOOT, the agreement reflects the parties’ shared commitment to establishing a sustainable cooperation mechanism that will allow beneficiaries to access specialized consultations, advanced examinations, complex surgical procedures, as well as rehabilitation and medical follow-up programs at the Memorial Hospital Group’s facilities.

**Both parties pose for a family picture with their MoUs** *(Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)*

The federation added that the agreement is part of an effort to protect the human capital of Cameroonian football and promote the well-being of athletes who have contributed to Cameroon’s national and international standing.

Through this partnership, FECAFOOT confirms its commitment to the health and social protection of Cameroonian football stakeholders, while the Memorial Hospital Group reaffirms its commitment to supporting the development of African sport through medical excellence.

The framework agreement will enable the management of complex pathologies in footballers and former footballers, access to state-of-the-art technical facilities, the organization of specialized consultations, the transfer of skills and sharing of medical expertise, and the implementation of prevention and health monitoring programs, among other measures.

**Officials posed for a family picture** (Photo Credit: Mainimo Etienne)

Following the strategic partnership, observers praised the agreement but indicated that the league needs to step up financially, as significant expenses are expected to handle health care services in Turkey.

AFROMEDI VI Journalists Pledge Citizen-Centred Reporting To Advance Debt Justice Across Africa

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The sixth edition of the African Media Initiative (AFROMEDI VI) has concluded in Nairobi, Kenya, leaving behind a reinforced network of 39 journalists who have pledged to reshape the continent’s economic discourse through rigorous, citizen-centered reporting on debt and development.

**African journalists and AFRODAD officials posed for a family picture**

Jointly organized by the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD) and Transparency International Kenya, the three-day summit brought together media professionals from across East, West, Central, North and Southern Africa.

Running from May 27 to May 29, the three-day forum is themed, “Partnering with Media to Advance Socio-Economic Justice and Africa’s Common Position on Debt.” The event aimed to equip attendees with the investigative tools and policy insights necessary to navigate complex financial landscapes and hold powerful stakeholders accountable.

Beyond the classroom training, the summit culminated in a collective commitment by the participants to transform how African media covers sovereign debt. Journalists vowed to elevate the African Common Position on Debt, ensuring that the continent’s collective priorities for reforming the international debt architecture are central to both regional and global policy dialogues.

Central to their mandate is a commitment to champion the principles of the Lomé Declaration. By advocating for a more transparent and development-oriented global debt system, the journalists aim to scrutinize restructuring mechanisms and demand greater accountability from lenders and borrowers alike.

**Panel discussions during the AFROMEDI VI summit**

Participants pledged to bridge the gap between technical economic jargon and the reality of citizens’ lives. Their mission involves producing evidence-based reporting that connects debt sustainability to the quality of public services and economic opportunities. By humanizing these issues, they intend to highlight the direct social and economic consequences of policy decisions made in loan negotiations and international financial institution meetings.

Journalists also committed to a more aggressive oversight of debt governance. This includes investigating borrowing practices and the impact of policy prescriptions from global institutions like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. Participants stated they would leverage diverse voices—ranging from experts and policymakers to the communities most impacted by debt crises—to foster a more inclusive public discourse.

As debt servicing continues to consume an increasing share of public resources across Africa, participants’ commitments point to a wider role for journalism in strengthening democratic accountability. They reinforced a key reality that debt is not only an economic challenge but also a governance and development issue, with direct consequences for the quality of public services and the economic choices available to governments.

A major outcome of AFROMEDI VI was the introduction of A-LeDD (AFRODAD Learning on Debt and Development), a free, competency-based digital learning platform designed to democratise knowledge on debt, development finance and related themes.

The platform will offer self-paced learning, short courses, and practical resources aimed at strengthening understanding and engagement on debt and development finance issues. The platform targets journalists, civil society actors, policymakers, researchers, students, and engaged citizens seeking to deepen their understanding of debt and development finance issues.

By removing cost barriers and enabling flexible learning, A-LeDD creates opportunities for continuous knowledge building and informed engagement on issues that shape Africa’s development trajectory.

Returning to their countries, journalists say they do so as more than individual reporters. They describe themselves as members of a growing Pan-African movement intent on advancing transparency, accountability and debt justice. Their work, they said, will help shape a more informed public discourse and contribute to a future in which debt supports development rather than constraining it.

AFROMEDI VI is therefore ending not as a finish line but as a beginning, with journalists equipped to challenge opaque practices, tell Africa’s debt story with greater clarity and insist that African people remain at the centre of decisions about debt and development.

CAMTEL Retains Blue Podium As Race Begins

By Brian Mboh

The 22nd International Cycling Tour of Cameroon is officially underway, with state-owned telecommunications firm CAMTEL and its flagship brand, Blue, serving as the official sponsor of the competition’s prestigious Blue Podium and Blue Jersey.

The first stage of the event kicked off Wednesday, June 3, on the Maroua-Mora-Maroua circuit. CAMTEL established itself as a driving force behind the inaugural stage, using its Blue brand to highlight the victory of Cameroonian cyclist Rodrigue Éric Kuéré Nounawé while showcasing its institutional commitment to national sports.

Following a formal opening ceremony overseen by the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education, the race began as a display of athletic strength, resistance and technique. On the roads of the Far North region, CAMTEL demonstrated its presence, turning the event into a showcase of performance and network connectivity.

**Rodrigue Eric Kuere Nounawe champions Maroua lap**

CAMTEL’s sponsorship gave the inaugural stage a dimension beyond the competition itself. Along the 124.6-kilometer Maroua-Mora-Maroua route, the company provided high-standard logistical support, embodying the speed and fluidity required by the riders. Amid harsh weather conditions, the 46 competing riders relied on the precision of the organization, with Camtel serving as an essential partner in the event’s execution.

After an intense race lasting 2 hours, 59 minutes and 40 seconds, Cameroonian cyclist Rodrigue Éric Kuéré Nounawé, a member of the SNH Vélo Club, narrowly edged out Rwandan rider Vainqueur Masengesho and German rider Léo Charrois.

**Prof Narcisse Mouelle Kombi during the Kick-off ceremony of International Cycling Tour in Maroua (Photo: CAMTEL)**

Crossing the finish line first in Maroua, the national champion donned the yellow jersey and received accolades on a podium decorated in Camtel’s colors. With this award, CAMTEL reaffirmed its role as a major partner in recognizing high-speed performance and endurance.

Athletes are now preparing for the second stage between Figuil and Garoua, which will conclude with a highly anticipated criterium. As the quest for the yellow jersey continues, CAMTEL is positioning itself as a central pillar in supporting Cameroonian sports, ensuring the competition’s progress is felt throughout the country.

**Team Cameroon at Cycling Tour (Photo: CAMTEL)**

Cameroon Festival of Living Together,Takes Center-Stage in Washington DC

By Brian Mboh

It was in an electrifying atmosphere, marked by colour , rhythms and traditions from Cameroon, that a large number of Cameroonians in the diaspora, gathered in Washington DC, for the pioneer edition of the mega Cameroon Cultural Festival of North America, CCFNA.

***Cultural display at living together festival***

Organised by Christopher Tapa, the event was held under the theme; ” Cameroon Culture and Living Together.” The three day event, that ran from May 29 to 31,2026,took place on the campus of the Catholic University of America.

More than a cultural celebration, the cultural jamboree, served as a platform for dialogue, networking, and engagement among diplomats, traditional leaders, business executives, academics, and community stakeholders.

The presence of distinguished guests elevated the event into a showcase, of Cameroon’s rich cultural diplomacy and national unity.

**Cameroon Ambassador to USA ,communes with traditional rulers**

High-Level Diplomatic Patronage

Opening the ceremony was His Excellency ,Henri Étoundi Essomba, Cameroon Ambassador to the United States of America.

Leading the Cameroonian diplomatic delegation, Ambassador Étoundi Essomba brought the official support of the Cameroonian government to this diaspora-led initiative.

In his remarks, he commended the commitment of Cameroonians living across North America—including the United States, Canada, and Mexico, in preserving and promoting their cultural heritage.

He also emphasized on the crucial role of the diaspora as ambassadors of peace, national unity, and economic development.

**Cameroonian traditional rulers at CCFNA in Washington DC**

Festival Engages Diaspora Business Actors and investors

One of the festival’s highlights was the Business Forum, which explored investment opportunities between Cameroon and North America.

Moderated by Dr. Mimi Nkwepo, executive coach and transformational leadership expert, the forum brought together prominent voices from the worlds of business, academia, and innovation. Panelists included Dr. Elie Nkamgueu, President of Club Efficience and a leading advocate for diaspora investment; Dr. Bih, an expert in artificial intelligence and digital transformation; His Majesty Nfon Ekoko Mukete IV, Bafaw Paramount Chief, Senator, and respected business leader; Mr. Derrick Waters, infrastructure and international cooperation specialist; and Dr. Michael Williams, Dean at Thomas Edison State University.

Discussions focused on strengthening investment, entrepreneurship, innovation, and strategic partnerships between Cameroon and its diaspora communities abroad.

In the same spirit, Mr. Elvis Tognia presented the concept of the “Cameroonian Dream,” calling for a more united, organized, and engaged diaspora committed to contributing to Cameroon’s sustainable development and global competitiveness.

Joseph-Antoine Bell: Football as a Unifying Force

Another memorable moment of the festival was the participation of Joseph-Antoine Bell, one of Cameroon’s most celebrated football legends. A two-time Africa Cup of Nations champion (1984 and 1988) and current Chairman of the Orientation Committee of the National Office of Sports Infrastructure and Equipment (ONIES), Bell received a warm and enthusiastic welcome from attendees.

Drawing from his remarkable career and public service experience, he shared his vision of football as a powerful tool for social cohesion and national unity. His presence inspired pride, patriotism, and a renewed sense of belonging among festival participants.

***Tapa Christopher , President of Cameroon Cultural Festival of North America, CCFNA***

Traditional Leaders Bring Cultural Authenticity

The festival also benefited from the presence of several traditional authorities who traveled from Cameroon, adding cultural depth and authenticity to the event.

Among them were Chief Mukete, Chief Lekunze, His Majesty Etoga, Her Majesty Thérèse Tsogo Nsengue, Third-Class Traditional Ruler of Mvila Yévol, and Her Majesty Véronique Mintamack.

Their participation reflected the enduring connection between the diaspora and its ancestral roots. The festival showcased Cameroon’s four major cultural areas—Fang-Beti, Grassfields, Sawa, and Sudano-Sahelian—through traditional performances, cultural exhibitions, music, and dance.

A Landmark Event for the Cameroonian Diaspora

By bringing together diplomats, traditional rulers, business leaders, scholars, entrepreneurs, and sports icons, the inaugural CCFNA successfully demonstrated the power of culture as a bridge between communities and generations.

For Christophe Tapa and his team, the event marks the beginning of what promises to become a major annual gathering for celebrating Cameroonian heritage and strengthening ties between Cameroon and North America. The Cameroon Cultural Festival of North America has established itself as a significant platform for cultural promotion, economic dialogue, and diaspora engagement on the international stage.

**Organising committee of inaugural CCFNA**

Fon Of Nso To Unveil Maiden Book On Peace, Reconciliation, And Ancestral Wisdom, June 25

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

His Royal Highness Fon Sehm Mbinglo I, the traditional ruler of Nso, will officially launch his debut book, “The Fon of Nso and the Anglophone Crisis: A Testimony for Reconciliation and Peace,” on June 26.

In a press release issued June 3, the Fon announced that the inaugural launch will take place in Yaounde. This event will be followed by a series of additional presentations in various towns across Cameroon and among the diaspora.

According to the release, these gatherings are intended to be conducted in the spirit of ancestral dialogue and community engagement. The monarch envisions these events not merely as book launches but as a continuation of the tradition that has guided the Nso people through the centuries, serving to support ongoing national efforts toward peace, justice and unity.

The book spans 170 pages and includes a foreword, a preface and acknowledgments. It is divided into seven parts containing various subchapters. Beyond the narrative, the publication features several photographs depicting key events from the start of the Anglophone crisis as well as earlier moments during his reign, offering readers both textual reflection and visual testimony.

The royal family stated that the book is intended to complement, strengthen and preserve for posterity a portion of the broader royal narrative and message rather than replace the oral tradition. The communique noted that the book responds to the demands of the present moment while remaining faithful to the enduring values of Nso culture. In this context, it serves as a tool for peace, reconciliation and historical preservation within and beyond the Nso community.

Rooted in the age-old tradition of “Tooy Fon,” or fireside conversation, the publication invites the people of Nso and Cameroon at large to gather in dignity, calm reflection and mutual respect. It seeks to strengthen bonds of understanding and reminds the public of the need to carry scars with dignity, walk in fairness and forgive with courage.

Fon Sehm Mbinglo I leads the Nso traditional institution, one of the most prominent in Cameroon. Through his leadership, advocacy for dialogue and nonviolence, and commitment to community welfare, he has promoted peace, reconciliation and social cohesion by drawing on ancestral wisdom.

SESDP Launches Free Vocational Training For 1000 Young Cameroonians

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The Cameroon government, through the Secondary Education and Skills Development Project (SESDP), has launched a call for applications to select 1,000 young Cameroonians to receive fully funded training vouchers. The announcement was made during a press conference in Yaoundé on June 1, coordinated by the project’s General Coordinator, Sophie Mbenoun.

***Sophie Mbenoun, General Coordinator of SESDP speaking during the press conference (Photo: Mainimo Etienne)***

Speaking to journalists, Sophie Mbenoun explained that the innovative voucher scheme is designed to fully finance short-term certified vocational training for young people aged 15 to 35. According to Mbenoun, “the initiative aims to tackle youth employment and underemployment, the mismatch between training and available jobs, and the growing demand for technical and digital skills.”

Given that the training will take place at accredited private training centers selected by the project, Mbenoun stressed that the vouchers will cover registration fees, tuition, certification assessments, and selected training kits and equipment depending on the sector.

She added that the training durations range from three to six months. Programs will focus on digital technology, cybersecurity, software development, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, networking, industrial welding, and technical construction trades, among others.

To be eligible, Mbenoun said applicants must be Cameroonian nationals aged 15 to 35 for digital technology and welding, or 18 to 40 for heavy construction equipment operation. Candidates must be of sound mental capacity, physically fit for their chosen trade, and hold at least the required qualification, which may include a Vocational Aptitude Certificate, GCE O Level, Vocational Qualification Certificate, Vocational Qualification Diploma, GCE A Level, GCE A Level plus two, or other applicable credentials.

Mbenoun was precise about the registration process, stating that applications are only accepted via the online platform https://padesce.cm/mcdc no later than June 12, 2026, at 11:59 pm.

According to her, selection will be automatic on the digital platform based on set criteria, though special consideration will be given to young people with relevant work experience in their chosen profession. Female applicants are strongly encouraged to apply, and young people can visit the website for detailed profile requirements.

The SESDP is a government initiative set up with support from the World Bank. Structured around four components, its goal is to improve equitable access to quality secondary education and market-oriented technical and vocational training, with a particular focus on girls.

The project pays special attention to vulnerable girls and other disadvantaged learners in areas with low schooling levels, as well as internally displaced or refugee learners in the North West and South West regions.

Beyond the training voucher scheme, the SESDP is also concerned with improving infrastructure in technical and vocational training establishments. This includes the rehabilitation and construction of workshops, classrooms, and administrative buildings to create a conducive learning environment.

In addition, the project focuses on enhancing the skills of professionals working in small and medium-sized enterprises, small and medium-sized industries, social economy structures, and craft enterprises.

This is achieved through tailored training programmes designed to meet the specific demands of the job market, ensuring that both young entrants and existing workers can acquire practical, relevant competencies that boost employability and productivity.

Fongoh & Partners Real Estate Named “Most Trusted Company of the Decade”

By Brian Mboh

Fongoh and Partners Real Estate was honored with the “Most Trusted Company of the Decade” award on Saturday, May 30, 2026, in Yaoundé. As Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Fongoh Valentine was also recognized with a top philanthropy prize during the tenth-anniversary celebration of The Voice newspaper.

This award celebrate his multidimensional projects, which have significantly improved living conditions and transformed communities despite persistent regional security challenges.

Founded ten years ago in Buea, Fongoh and Partners Real Estate Solutions specializes in land acquisition and sales, construction, land surveying, and animal husbandry. The company was established primarily to provide sustainable solutions to the myriad challenges surrounding land transactions.

According to management, the firm has achieved significant milestones over its decade of existence, with major operations in localities such as Kumba, Buea, and Batibo.

“In Buea, as in other localities, we have carried out extensive philanthropic projects, including the construction of roads and bridges and the provision of potable water for local communities,” the CEO noted.

With a workforce of approximately 150 employees, the company has also made notable contributions in the Ashong and Moghamo regions, where they have constructed farm-to-market roads and sponsored various community development projects.

Addressing the obstacles faced by the industry, Fongoh noted, “Our primary challenges arise from land transactions, particularly regarding the fraudulent double-selling of plots by malicious individuals. We urge the authorities to implement more effective measures to resolve this issue. Furthermore, while some people mistakenly perceive our initiatives as political, we want to reiterate that we are simply Cameroonians committed to improving the living conditions of our fellow citizens. We ask the public to judge our work based on the impact they see.”

The CEO explained that communities and individuals in need of the company’s services are encouraged to submit formal requests for consideration. While project approval timelines may vary due to the company’s ongoing commitments, they frequently initiate and fund projects directly for communities in need.

Reflecting on the philanthropic award, Fongoh Valentine expressed his gratitude for the milestone, noting that it was rewarding to see their community efforts recognized by the public.

“We are honored by this achievement; it demonstrates that our activities are being monitored and appreciated by the public. It serves as a call for my team and me to work even harder toward greater accomplishments,” he stated.

When asked about the company’s success, he credited their reputation to a clear philosophy: “Our secret is transparency and dialogue in every business transaction. It is rare to hear of any conflicts between our firm and our clients.”

The company’s leadership concluded by reassuring their partners of their unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, professional, and satisfactory services.

AFRODAD Media Initiative Opens In Nairobi To Strengthen Debt Reporting Across Africa

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

The sixth edition of the AFRODAD Media Initiative (AFROMEDI VI) has commenced in Nairobi, Kenya, convening over 45 journalists and finance experts from 29 African countries. Running from May 27 to May 29, the three-day forum is themed, “Partnering with Media to Advance Socio-Economic Justice and Africa’s Common Position on Debt.”

**AFRODAD Interim Executive Director Dr. Theophilus Yungong speaking during the opening ceremony**

Organized by the African Forum and Network on Debt and Development (AFRODAD) in partnership with Transparency International Kenya and the Stop the Bleeding Campaign, the event emphasizes the critical role of media in driving accountability.

In his opening remarks, AFRODAD Interim Executive Director Dr. Theophilus Yungong described the media as one of the continent’s most powerful tools for accountability, especially as African nations navigate rising debt distress, fiscal pressures, and widening development gaps.

“Only a journalist can make that connection visible to the people who need to understand it most,” Dr. Yungong stated. He emphasized that true accountability is only possible when citizens grasp the implications of the borrowing decisions made in their name.

“When the public watches, things change. When voters ask questions, politicians answer. And when journalists illuminate what would otherwise remain hidden, the powerful can no longer act with impunity.”

He further challenged attendees to help shape a narrative where Africa “tells its own story, sets its own terms, and holds its own leaders—and the world—accountable.”

Gibson Mwaita, Head of Programmes at Transparency International Kenya, reinforced this message by highlighting the link between corruption, weak accountability, and the continent’s economic challenges.

Referring to the 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, Mwaita noted that Sub-Saharan Africa remains the lowest-performing region globally, with an average score of just 32 out of 100. He affirmed that journalists are essential to strengthening oversight and safeguarding public resources across the continent.

“Media practitioners are not merely observers of economic events; they are active actors in shaping reform conversations,” Mwaita said.

The AFROMEDI initiative enhances media capacity to report on sovereign debt management, fiscal justice, and the global financial architecture. By championing people-centered storytelling, the program bridges the gap between complex macroeconomic policies and everyday realities.

Since its 2021 launch, AFROMEDI has trained over 600 journalists across 37 African countries, fostering a robust network dedicated to accountability and public discourse.

The initiative’s framework is deeply rooted in the African Borrowing Charter, the Lomé Declaration’s Common African Position on Debt, and the long-term goals of the AU’s Agenda 2063.

Minister Atanga Nji Urges Cameroonians To Make Daily Exercise A Vital Routine

By Brian Mboh

The Minister of Territorial Administration (MINAT), Paul Atanga Nji, has issued a clarion call for Cameroonians to integrate regular physical exercise into their daily routines, citing its profound benefits for long-term health and vitality.

**Minister Paul Atanga Nji and Eto’o Fils**

The Minister made this appeal on Saturday, May 23, at the Golgotha Tennis Club in Yaoundé, where he demonstrated his own commitment to fitness by completing a rigorous tennis match that lasted one hour and thirty minutes without interruption.

The exhibition match was attended by high-profile figures, including Prof. François Bolvine Wakata, Minister Delegate in charge of Relations with the Assembly; Samuel Eto’o Fils, President of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT); and numerous local tennis enthusiasts.

Through this display of stamina, Minister Atanga Nji appeared to address recent public commentary regarding his physical well-being. Furthermore, he used the platform to advise football authorities on the qualities necessary for the next generation of athletes.

“It is very important for our players to take sports seriously in order to avoid muscle cramps,” the Minister stated. “It is vital to exercise, for it helps to keep you in good shape.”

**Minister Paul Atanga Nji in action at Golgotha Tennis Club**

Reflecting on his own regimen, Atanga Nji added, “As you can see, I am above 65 years, yet you can acknowledge my fitness due to my constant involvement on the tennis courts. You should emphasize endurance and resistance when calling up your players. Your presence today among us is to make you part of the dynamic.”

Echoing these sentiments, FECAFOOT President Samuel Eto’o Fils lauded the initiative, noting that sports serve as a catalyst for rejuvenation.

“Seeing Minister Paul Atanga Nji play for one hour and thirty minutes is a clear message of how sports can help overcome health challenges through endurance and resistance,” Eto’o remarked.

Eto’o further emphasized the importance of the event, stating that his presence was intended to support the Minister’s vision and to encourage the broader Cameroonian public to make physical activity a cornerstone of their daily lives.

**Min Paul Atanga Nji (L) Min François Bolvine Wakata (M) and Samuel Eto’o Fils(R)**

Light Rain Marks 54th National Day In Yaounde As President Biya Presides

By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo

Thousands of Cameroonians gathered under light rains on Wednesday, May 20, in Yaoundé to mark the country’s 54th National Day. The drizzle, far from dampening the spirit of the event, seemed to add a solemn tone to the occasion as President Paul Biya presided over the celebrations.

***President Paul Biya (Middle) applauds as the military parade marches past on the 20th May Boulevard*** *(Photo: Presidency)*

Paul Biya, alongside the First Lady Chantal Biya, was joined by government officials and foreign dignitaries at the ceremonial pavilion. This year’s theme was “National Unity: Backbone of Our Defense System, Bedrock of Cameroon’s Development.” A key highlight of this year’s edition was the participation of guest of honour, Chadian military contingent.

However, the 20^th May Boulevard was transformed into a display of national pride. Military contingents marched in rhythm, students and political groups chanted songs, and many carried placards calling for unity. Many described the ceremony as a powerful reminder of the nation’s resilience and the bonds that hold its people together, even amid ongoing challenges.

For many in attendance, however, the day brought mixed emotions. Some questioned whether the unity on display reflected the country’s true reality.

“I am happy to be part of this day because I just marched past in front of President Paul Biya,” said one participant. “He is the father of the nation and has done a lot to make the country be where it is. I am so happy and will continue to pray that God gives him divine grace to lead this country.”

Another attendee, Frida, stressed the historical importance of the anniversary. “As a Cameroonian, celebrating this day is of utmost importance because it is a day that means so much to us,” she said. “It commemorates the historic 1972 national referendum where citizens voted to transition the country from a federal republic into a unitary state.”

But not everyone shared that enthusiasm. Elvis, who also took part in the march, expressed disappointment. “I am happy I participated in the march past, but deep down in my heart, the reason why we are celebrating this day doesn’t make sense at all,” he said. “Some people have turned it into a day of embezzling money, celebrating what they don’t even know.”

Marie Claire who watched from her house voiced similar concerns about the gap between official messages and daily life. “When I see the messages hanging all over town and those that were projected during the march past, those messages are very far from being a reality,” she said. “Some of those messages to me are just produced to continue singing for unity, but the real unity that we want is not there.”

Beyond Yaounde, Cameroonians in other cities and at diplomatic missions abroad also commemorated the day with ceremonies and flag-raising events. Despite differing views on the state of national unity, the 54th anniversary remained a moment of reflection for a country still grappling with what that unity truly means.

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