Handshakes spiced by music filled the air as Defence Minister dined and wined with the defence corps after march past on May 20, 2016.
The Military Headquarters Brigade in Yaounde was full of merry-making on May 20, 2016, as the defence family gathered after participating in the colourful parade at the May 20 Avenue to share a common meal in celebration of the country’s National Day. Makeshift tents were set up in the courtyard in addition to the banquet halls to allow all those who took part in the march past and officers, men and women of the corps to dine and wine as a family.
The Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Joseph Beti Assomo, who was at the common meal, passed on the felicitations of the Head of State on the brilliant performance of the Defence Forces at the 44th National Day that was observed on the theme; “Defence Forces and Dynamic Forces of the Nation; standing together to combat terrorism and preserve peace and territorial integrity.” He said the meal was offered on behalf of President Paul Biya as a sign of encouragement and recognition to the Defence Forces for standing firm and committed in the wake of rising challenges.
A toast by Defence boss, Beti Assomo and a handshake with all present in the hall was the hallmark of the common meal. The Minister was flanked by the Secretary of State in the Ministry of Defence in charge of the National Gendarmerie and the Secretary of State at the Ministry of Defence in charge of Ex-servicemen and War Victims, Jean Baptiste Bokam and Issa Koumpa respectively.
The “Berets Verts” orchestra, the main musical club of the army dished out a variety of Makossa and soft music from national and international icons like Eboa Lotin, Henry Dikongue, Lady Ponce, Lionel Richie and David Charvet, to cheer guests to a fun-filled time.
