Cameroon: The 20th of May

Cameroon The 20th of May

The National Day in Cameroon is celebrated on the 20th of May each year. But it should be noted that Cameroon has not a single date of independence. French Cameroun (East Cameroon) achieved its independence from France on the 1st of January 1960, and British Cameroon (Southern Cameroon) changed its status from a Trusteeship under the British administration on the 1st of October 1961to a federated state within Cameroon.

The government then chose the 20th of May as the National Day of Cameroon in 1972 to commemorate the abolishment of the federal system of government and the creation of a unitary state.

The day is considered a public holiday but school children and youths belonging to social groups, political parties and the military go to ceremonial grounds and celebrate the day by singing, parades and marching pass in front of top administrative authorities every where in the different parts of the various cities. Of recent, the head of state has been granting a state dinner to important dignitaries and members of the diplomatic corps.

A week before the D-day awareness programs are carried out all over the country to stress the importance of the day to Cameroonians. Socio educative discussions, civilian marches, torch light processions and unity tournaments are also part of activities during this week. Unitary tournaments usually feature cultural activities and sports events that help with national unity.

Football, goal ball, volleyball and cross country races are part of these tournaments. Cameroonians in different countries around the world also celebrate this day in the embassies in different countries.

Cameroon : May 20th