Celebrating National Values

No matter the arguments, the move from a Federal to a unitary State in Cameroon has come a long way

. Forty years down the road, the country has witnessed several landmarks that call for celebration given that the essentials of peace and stability have been maintained. With a multiplicity of ethnic groups, divergent cultural backgrounds and religions, Cameroon continues to survive as a nation, picking and choosing elements from fast shrinking international boundaries that could jeopardise the country's sovereignty.

In fact, as the military and civilian march past demonstrated throughout the country on Sunday May 20, 2012, all the facets of national unity were present with the participation of all age groups from the primary through secondary schools and higher institutes of learning or the presence of political parties that came out as if to say those who had deferring views were out of tune with current national trends.

True to this year's theme: "Cameroon's Armed Forces working resolutely towards a strong, prosperous and emerging nation, in a climate of peace and unity," the military demonstrated their loyalty and attachment to State institutions through a vibrant march past and a public display of their equipment and know-how as well as readiness to cope with modern challenges of nationhood. Thus, from combat readiness in times of strong human and natural challenges to simple social hiccups that the nation may face, the men and women in uniform presented an array of the equipment that can enable them keep the nation safe and sound to ensure sound development and progress.

The dispaly of military equipment with the inscriptions of several localities of Cameroon including Bakassi, that become a veritable litmus test of the country's diplomatic feat and the display of several banners by the civilians to chastise vices like corruption, instability, and others, were all indicative of the option that Cameroonians would want to see for the nation.

Moreover, beyond political party leanings, several groups not only joined the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement, CPDM party to laud President Paul Biya's political agenda of "Greater Accomplishment" but equally pointed out their strong support to see that the current seven-year mandate, which the Head of State has focused on results-based action, should foster peace and development in Cameroon.

What remains obvious today in Cameroon is the ability of the population to rally behind the elements that can enhance the sense of nationhood rather than looking for factors that divide. President Paul Biya has said it on several occasions that we are a strong nation and no matter how critics may differ, the number of obstacles that the country has undergone over the years and the rugged road that other African countries have threaded since independence, are indicators of how Cameroonians should tackle future challenges. It may not always be a wrong thing to disagree. What may always matter in the long run is the ability to identify the values that make the country stronger and more progressive. Other nations have demonstrated that it is possible to surmount upheavals of all sorts and rally behind a common objective. Cameroon and her people can also do same; after all, it is by uniting that we become stronger and more viable.

The colourful march past and the variety that Cameroonians from across all divides presented in Yaounde, in front of the Head of State as well as in other parts of the country, are a firm sign that many Cameroonians are conscious of the role they have to play in taking the country forward. Such a strong will may have to be translated into actions as President Biya intimated in his recent speeches to the nation; and it is by so doing that development and progress can be guaranteed in the country.