Exception Al Welcome to Presidential Couple in Brussels

Many citizens and tourists in Brussels yesterday April 1, 2014 were elated with the manner in which Cameroonians, mostly militants of the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement (CPDM) living in Belgium, Netherlands and Luxemburg (Benelux Region) received their President, Paul Biya and wife, Chantal Biya as they made their way into the Le Meridian Hotel down town Brussels for the 4th European Union (EU)-Africa Summit which begins today at the Heart of Europe.

In a bid to acknowledge the presence of President Paul Biya and First Lady, Cameroonians living in Belgium and beyond, transformed the Infante Isabella Road at Central Brussels into a dancing ground to showcase some of the cultural heritage from their fatherland. The tight police security that was present around the Le Meridian Hotel which is hosting President Paul Biya and Wife during their stay in Brussels did not prevent the enthusiastic crowd from displaying their joy in songs and dance as they awaited the First Couple of Cameroon. It was an exceptional and rare moment for them.

The jubilant crowd of men, women and children who had come from far away as Holland could be seen dancing to traditional drumbeats from the Centre Region of the country as well as "Njang" tempo from the North West Region. Dressed in the CPDM fabric, as well as traditional attires from the North West Region, the crowd echoed songs which left passers-by anxious to know what was happening. While a Belgian citizen said "wow this is interesting to see a population welcome its Head of State in this manner", others could not resist the dancing style of the waiting crowd. As such, they took out their iPads and cameras to take souvenir pictures of the CPDM supporters. Those riding in cars had to make a sudden stop just to catch a quick look at the euphoric Cameroonians.

Through songs, the waiting crowd revealed their love for President Paul Biya, and Wife. Besides waving the effigy of Paul and Chantal Biya, the crowd also carried messages some of which read "Cameroon United and Indivisible". The militants sang "Papa Welcome, Papa Welcome".

At the entrance of the hotel, the Director General of Le Meridian Brussels, Egbert Buursink was on hand to warmly shake hands with Cameroon's First Couple. Also to welcome the Presidential Couple at the hotel was the Minister of External Relations, the Ambassadors of Cameroon to Ethiopia and Belgium, officials from the Presidency of the Republic of Cameroon as well as those working at Cameroon's Embassy in Belgium. Although the Cameroonians community could not have a closer glance at the Presidential Couple, they were happy as the couple's presence made them feel at home.