Defence Forces Demonstrate Commitment to Unity

Emmanuel Kendemeh

22 May 2011

Cameroon’s defence forces in the nation’s capital, Yaounde on the 2011 National Day celebrations demonstrated their vital role as “crucible of national unity, bedrock of stable and democratic institutions and guarantor of socio-economic development”. Detachments of foot soldiers of the army, National Gendarmerie, Police, Penitentiary Administration, Customs Administration and ex-servicemen put up a thrilling march past in front of President Paul Biya, First Lady Chantal Biya and other senior government, diplomatic and defence officials.

Brigadier General Ebaka Hippolyte commanded troops at the military parade of foot soldiers, mounted and motorised troops at the Yaounde 20th May Avenue that lasted for over one hour thirty minutes. What was particular was the fact that a squadron of Air Force planes preceded and ended the overall parade. Planes of the Rapid Intervention Battalion (BIR) flew past the 20th May Avenue as the foot soldiers and motorised unit marched past. The band of the BIR also led its foot soldiers in the march past, drawing the applause of many.

After the military honours to the Head of State, the National Police Band set the stage for the military parade. Members of the band through a display in front of the presidential grandstand retraced Cameroon’s history from independence, reunification, federalism and the unitary system of government that came into being in the referendum of 1972. From here, the band of the Presidential Guard led the military parade. The most spectacular aspect of the parade by the Presidential Guard was a special square with security dogs that curiously had military ranks.

The army, Presidential Guard, National Gendarmerie and National Police in the parade exhibited their respective specialities in ensuring national unity, stable and democratic institutions and guarantors of socio-economic development in accordance with the theme of the celebration. The detachment of the Customs Administration that had one square with 149 men, demonstrated commitment in protecting the national territory through ensuring its stability, intensifying governance and ethics, as well as contributing to socio-economic development through significant contribution to the State budget.

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