By Ben Nakomo
Cameroon on May 20, 2011 celebrated the 39th edition of the country’s National Day which coincides with the 50th anniversary of Reunification. The event was highlighted by military parade and civilian match past throughout the ten regions in the country. The Head of State, His Excellency President Paul Biya, Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces, Fon of Fons, Chief of Chiefs and Grand Master of National Orders was hosted at the 20th May boulevard in Yaounde. The highly colourful ceremony began in earnest in Yaounde with the arrival of the Head of state, and Cameroon's diplomatic corps. Military jets flew through the skies of the Yaounde Central boulevard to mark the start of the military parade.
The soldiers within the various corps of the military and police enthusiastically matched past the tribune to the rhythm of their respective bands. A major innovation during this year’s parade was the match past of military dogs and mobile identification vehicles. The military through the innovation once again demonstrated strength and prowess. They also illustrated their capacity to protect and defend the values of the state with honour and fidelity.
The day was characterized by partying throughout the country. Anarchists who sought to distract Cameroonians from savouring the date with history were peacefully checked and reminded that Cameroon's peace and tranquility cannot be negotiated. In Bamenda in the northwest region, the chief opposition region, Cameroonians flocked to the stadias and divisional capitals, sang the national hymn: Land of Promise, Land of Glory; and prayed for posperity.
The economy of Cameroon has held a steady average annual growth of 5% in the last five years. With public expenditure soaring and the refurbishing of public infrastructure gaining momentum, business persons have cashed in on the heating economy, especially in the real estate sector. The governmnent recently received thousands of application files from Cameroonians at home and in diaspora to fill 25.000 job opening in the civil service. Cameroon's unbridled peace has positioned the country as the economic torch bearer in french speaking Africa. © The Entrepreneur Newspaper 2007. All Rights Reserved.
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