200 Chadian troops to participate in Cameroon parade

Two contingents of 200 Chadian soldiers who have been stationed in Yaounde since Sunday are raring to participate in the 20 May civil and military parade marking Cameroon’s 43th national unity day.The procession will be held under the theme: Defence Forces in synergy with the forces of the nation to address security challenges and maintain peace in Cameroon and Central Africa.

Through these two contingents, Chad is keen to demonstrate its support for neighbouring Cameroon in the fight against the Nigerian Islamist sect Boko Haram which remains a threat in its Far North border region.

For almost three months both countries have been engaged in a military campaign against the jihadist movement, which has regularly suffered setbacks as a result.

20 May 1972 in Cameroon was replaced by 1 January 1960, which marks the country’s Independence Day.

43 years ago, a referendum had led to the unification of the English-speaking and French- speaking parts of Cameroon, since then coexisting under a federal arrangement.

In recent months, English speakers who back separatism and considered their region and citizens excluded from the distribution of development and social benefits, have rekindled their demands which are mainly championed by lawyers in the area.

APAnews