Bamenda: May 20 celebrated in pomp and style

Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique

Bamenda, yesterday May 20, 2023, joined in festivities across the national territory to celebrate the anniversary of Cameroon’s unitary  State focused on the theme: “Defence Forces and Cameroonian people in harmony to safeguard peace and national unity, bedrock of a strong and prosperous Cameroon”.

At the Bamenda Commercial Avenue ceremonial ground, the event which was presided over by Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique, opened with the hoisting of the National colours, after which he reviewed the troops.

Colonel Guy Chembou commanding the troops

The march-past which opened with the military parade saw detachments of all the units that make up the defence and security forces in Cameroon gracefully

march past under the admiration of the Representative of the State, Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique and other top military and administrative Dignitaries of the Region. 

It was not only a moment of pride for the respective contingents that paraded to  gracefully brandish a high sense of professionalism and  prowess of the Cameroonian Armed Forces; but their uniform footsteps and swinging of arms also  expressed their commitment and loyalty to safeguard republican institutions and the territorial integrity of the country. 

The military parade in the North West Region was under the command of Colonel Guy Chembou, Chief of staff at the 5th Joint Military Region, assisted by Lieutenant Colonel ABBA Saidou, Deputy commander of the NW Gendermarie legion

The military march-past was closely followed by a civilian parade comprised  of pupils, students, administrative units, youth organs and members of the CPDM ruling party. Numerous patriotic chants characterised this to recall the need for Cameroonians to be resilient and steadfast in the face of adversity and jealously preserve the indivisible spirit of nationhood. It also portrayed Cameroon’s rich cultural diversity, which is a cornerstone of her much-cherished unity.

The march past was powered by brass Band ochestra of the 5th joint military Region, with melodious rythms that  magnified the need for social cohesion and peaceful co-existence that needs to exist between the Cameroonian people and the Army.

The day culminated with a sumptuous dinner  offered by the Governor and his wife – Mme Lele Corine  at their Residence after which fire works that crowned the celebration of Cameroon's Unitary State.