Various corps of Cameroon’s Defence and Security Forces showcased modern combat and logistics equipment during the May 20 march-past in Yaounde.
“Amazing!”, “impressive!”, “awesome!” were some of the audible remarks by guests seated in the three grandstands at the May 20 Avenue last Friday as they watched the motorised section of the military march-past. While the same special bullet-proof combat troops vehicles used by Cameroon’s Special Forces during recent anti-terrorist military operations in the Nigerian localities of Ngoshe, Kumshe and Madawaya Forest, drove past the grandstands, spectators reminisced these epic battles that showed Cameroon’s military might and professionalism.
Battlefront military tanks christened after now famous localities such as Limani, Asshigachia, Kamouna and Amchide, rolled past proudly amidst cheering approval from spectators. From about 10:43 am to 11:20 am, the motorised military march-past was impressive. The orderly march-past of the Calvary section of the Presidential Guard Escort Unit that opened the show was followed by Presidential escort motorcycles and white siren secret service vehicles usually seen in presidential motorcades.
Amongst the light armoured vehicles and trucks of the Motorised Battalion of the Presidential Guard were specially equipped explosive-detection vehicles. The National Gendarmerie proudly exhibited its vehicles adapted to support missions of maintenance of law and order, road safety and security of citizens, while the Infantry drove past with artillery support equipment such as surface-to-air and surface-to-surface cannons. By showcasing ultramodern equipment, the Military Engineering Corps sent a strong message that it had a role to play in developing infrastructure.
While the Rapid Intervention Battalion demonstrated its land and sea combat equipment, the Police exhibited its ultramodern transmissions and video-surveillance unit. Even the National Fire Brigade Corps did not give bewildered spectators a break as they rolled past in recently-acquired fire trucks of various water storage capacities. The march past came to an end with the Air Force unleashing nearly a dozen helicopters and several fighter jets in the skies above the May 20 Avenue just before midday.
