March past rehearsals by the military and civilians are the order of the day.

As the 40th edition of the National Day on Sunday, May 20, draws nearer, preparations have intensified in Douala for a thrilling and successful event. The UDEAC Square ceremonial ground is being refurbished to host the usually colourful march past.

Since early this month, detachments of the Army, National Gendarmerie, Police, Penitentiary Administration, Customs and ex-servicemen, have been rehearsing regularly in certain areas of the economic city. On Sunday May 6, the military, with the exception of the motorised unit, converged at Sandaga and engaged in a spectacular show of strength in a march past, dubbed 'Unity March,' that was organised by the Governor of the Littoral Region, Joseph Beti Assomo in preparation for the National Day event proper. During the 'Unity March,' gendarmes demonstrated commitment and strength in breath-taking displays with well calculated footsteps.

Political parties are equally getting set to show their level of mobilization to give national unity its due importance. Parties like the Cameroon People's Party (CPP), Progressive Movement (MP) and the Union of the Populations of Cameroon (UPC) say their presence will be felt through messages on banners and placards showing their commitment to their respective parties.

The various schools and higher institutions of learning that will take part in the march past have also been doing rehearsals. Students of the University of Douala as well as other private higher institutions of learning now allot a part of their study time for the march past rehearsal.