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.
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 20th 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.
