It was organised on March 7, 2015 along major streets by the Ministry of External Relations.
The Department of Commonwealth at the Ministry of External Relations (MINREX) on Saturday, March 7, 2015 organised a march along some of the majors streets of Yaounde to launch one week of activities leading up to the celebration of the Commonwealth Day on March 12. The march which brought together people from different walks of life began and ended at the Ministry of External Relations, passing through the Konrad Adenauer Avenue, the 20th May Boulevard, the Cathedral, Camairco’s office, Montée Anne Rouge and the Yaounde City Hall.
In line with the theme of this year’s celebration, “A Young Commonwealth”, participants carried a banner and placards bearing the messages; “No to Extremism, Terrorism and Radicalism”, “Yes to Nation-building and Sustainable Development”, and “Long Live Cameroon-Commonwealth Cooperation”.
Speaking during the occasion, the Secretary General of the Ministry of External Relations, Felix Mbayu said the march was not only organised to take advantage of the rallying force of sports but also to network with youths who are the focus of this edition. He said a workshop will be organised within the week to edify youths on the dangers of extremism and showcase opportunities open to them notably through the Commonwealth Young Enterprise Scheme and in other governmental agencies like the National Youth Council and the Pajer-U programme, amongst others.
The Canadian High Commissioner to Cameroon, H.E. René Cremonese who also took part in the march, said he was happy with the importance Cameroon attaches to the Commonwealth. The march took place in a lively atmosphere with curious onlookers attracted by the drum beats of the brass band of the Higher Institute of Youth and Sports which accompanied the marchers. Some abandoned along the way but were picked up by a recovery van. The march ended with a presentation of traditional dances at the esplanade of the ministry.
