National Day forces Biya out of 'hideout'.

This was at the May 20 Boulevard in the nation’s capital city, Yaounde. 

Biya, the guarantor of the country’s constitution, critics say, was literally forced out of ‘hiding’ to perform his constitutional duties to preside the 53^rd edition of the National Day celebration. 

The Head of State, reports indicate, had been in his native Mvomeka'a, near Sangmelima, in Meyomessala Subdivision, Dja and Lobo Division of the South Region. 

Videos of his convoy returning to the capital city on Monday, May 19, made rounds on social media platforms. 

Worth noting is the fact that President Biya was last seen publicly at the Unity Palace on January 28, 2025, when he received the France-Cameroon Joint Commission’s Report on France’s role and commitment against independence and opposition movements in Cameroon from 1945 to 1971. 

Cameroonians only saw him again on television last February 10, during his traditional address to the youth prior, to Youth Day celebration.

Presides military, civilian march past 

Upon arriving the ceremonial ground, the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, set the ball rolling for the colourful military and civilian march past to mark the celebration of the country’s 53^rd National Day. 

President Biya was welcomed by the Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Joseph Beti Assomo. 

He then paid tribute to the country, through the singing of the national anthem and then the defence and security forces through the motorised review of troops, who were under the command of Brigadier General Eba Eba Bede Benoit, Commander of the Second Joint Military Region. 

After reviewing the troops, President Biya joined other members of the State apparatus at the grandstand. They included senior State officials such as the Speaker of the National Assembly, the Rt. Hon Cavaye Yeguie Djibril; the Senior Vice President of the Senate, Aboubakary Abdoulaye; the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Dr Chief Joseph Dion Ngute and the President of the Economic and Social Council, Ayang Luc among other top government officials. 

Representatives of diplomatic institutions accredited to Yaounde, representatives of international organisations as well as heads of political parties also lived the event at the grandstand. 

Before the military parade kicked off, there was a colourful display from a contingent of Nigerian defence forces, who were invited by President Biya and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, to witness the celebration. 

For over 25 minutes, all the compartments of the defence and security forces showcased their might in defending the country’s territorial integrity, through colourful parade and display of their equipment.

The civilian march past was characterised by the carrying of placards, bearing messages of peace, unity, patriotism, nation building and living together. 

It kick-started with Primary School pupils and students of Secondary and High Schools drawn from all Subdivisions of Mfoundi Division. This was followed by those of different higher institutions of learning. 

Supporters of different political parties, clad in their party apparels, also marched past the ceremonial ground. 

State dinner at Unity Palace 

In keeping with tradition, the National Day festivities continued at the Unity Palace, where President Biya and spouse, Chantal Biya, offered a State dinner to compatriots, and foreign dignitaries. 

The State dinner served as another moment for the Presidential couple to share with citizens in harmony. It also served as a sign of strengthening the bond of unity and togetherness. 

It should be recalled that the 53^rd National Day was celebrated nationwide under the theme: “Army and nation united for a Cameroon turned towards peace and prosperity”.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3451 of Wednesday May 21, 2025