National Day: Military, Civilian Symbiosis On Display

For three days, the population of Douala was given the opportunity to learn about the Cameroonian Defence Forces and to understand their various operations. The activities took place during the Defence Days, held from 12 to 15 May, ahead of the National Day celebrations on 20 May. The atmosphere at the Government Square in Bonanjo, Douala, was one of conviviality as the military exhibition was opened to the public. As visitors arrived, the different services of the armed forces along with the police, gendarmerie, penitentiary, and other units were on hand to welcome them and explain their operations. The exhibition was officially opened on 13 May by the Inspector General of the Littoral Governor’s Office. At each stop, representatives from the services including the gendarmerie, police, and penitentiary were present to provide information about their roles and activities. According to Captain Ngock Bertrand of the Military Engineering Corps, the Defence Open Days were also intended to build a cordial relationship between the military and the civilian population. He said the event allowed civilians to see the military as normal people and to be reassured t...