National Day Celebration Civilian Preparations Heighten

The Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, Bidoung Mkpatt on Thursday, May 2, 2013 in Yaounde instructed that all measures be taken to ensure a remarkable and hitch-free participation of civilians in the 41st edition of Cameroon's National Day celebration coming up on May 20, 2013.

He situated the context of the celebration to include the presence of special guests from friendly countries besides the Head of State, Paul Biya at the Yaounde 20 May Avenue, preparation of 50th anniversary celebration of the country's reunification and the fact that it will come a few weeks after the proclamation of results of Cameroon's first-ever election of Senators.

Reports presented during the meeting indicated that preparations were smoothly on course. The celebration will be launched in Bankim, Adamawa Region on May 8 to10 and in Bipindi, South Region from May 13 to 14. The Minister explained that the choice of the localities was to include minorities in the country's forward march, stating that there were Mbororos in Bankim and pygmies in Bipindi. The harmonised national launching programme in all regions was being fine-tuned, while meticulous preparations are being done in Yaounde. Specific aspects handled by different commissions include, Unity and National Integration March, torchlight procession, civilian march past in front of the Head of State, Paul Biya at the 20 May Avenue in Yaounde.

The key innovation this year will be the march past of the square of honour of the students of the National School of Administration and Magistracy, ENAM. The representative of the Mfoundi Senior Divisional Officer said 13 political parties had indicated readiness to participate. In all, over 20,000 civilians are expected to participate in Yaounde.