The Commonwealth department at the Ministry of External Relations embarked on a march on Saturday March 7th along the principal streets of Yaounde towards the launch of the week long activities leading 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 Conrad Adreneur avenue, the 20th May boulevard, Cathedral, Camairco, Monte Anne Rouge and the Yaounde city hall.

In line with the theme of this year’s celebration which is on the theme, “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 youths who are the focus of this edition of Commonwealth Day.

He said a workshop will be organised within the week to educate the youths on the dangers of extremism and give them the opportunity notably through the Commonwealth Young Enterprise Scheme and other governmental agencies like the National Youth Council and the Pajer-U programme.

The Canadian high Commissioner to Cameroon Rene Cremonese, who also took part in the march, said he was happy with the turn of events.

The march took place in a lively atmosphere with curious onlookers attracted by the importance Cameroon attaches to Commonwealth. Drum beats from the band of the Higher Institute of Youth and Sports accompanied marchers.

Some participants who could not make it through the long march were rushed to the recovery van. The march ended with a presentation of traditional dance at the esplanade of the ministry.