Hundreds of students and officials brandished messages of encouragement to defence forces over the weekend.

The two-hour unity walk as part of activities to mark the 43^rd National Day was a forum for hundreds of students, administrative officials and different associations to rekindle their support to the defence forces for the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency in the Far North Region.

As early as 7 am on May 16, 2015, inhabitants of the Douala I Council gathered at Hotel Lewat, walked through Vallée Bessengue to Mobile Bonakouamouang, then to St. Jérôme Catholic University, and finally to the Central Post Office in Bonanjo. As they marched, they chanted songs of unity while brandishing messages of encouragement to defence forces. Douala II inhabitants took-off from Shell New-Bell, Douala III from la Place de l’UDEAC, while Douala IV and V took-off from the Sandaga Market and Rond-Point Deido respectively. They all converged on the Central Post office, holding a big banner with the inscription “Defence forces and the nation’s vital forces, acting together to meet up with security challenges and preserving peace and stability in Cameroon and in Central Africa.”

Speaking at the convergence ground, the Secretary General in the Littoral Governor’s office, Ludovic Ngbwa expressed gratitude to participants, saying they had the country’s interest at heart. He however regretted that the 43^rd National Day is commemorated at a time peace is threatened in the Extreme North of the country. He enjoined all and sundry to take up collective responsibility and show proof of solidarity to the soldiers and affected population. The unity walk was graced with harps, trumpet and traditional dances.