Apparently the ceremonial hall had been prepared to host over 3000 attendants but it did not turn out as planned. Shortly before the head of state’s arrival, several seats were empty. The organisers felt uncomfortable to receive President Biya with a half empty hall. So students who were hired from the school of administration and magistracy, ENAM, for the specific mission to display flags of the various member countries were then beseeched to occupy some of the empty seats so as to give the impression that the hall was full to capacity.

With some seat still unoccupied, the officials proceeded to march in hostesses to occupy the remaining seats, though the seats seemed to be replicating itself as more people were brought in to occupy them, there were still countless empty seats.

It is not clear if some invitees refused to honour their invitations or if the organisers had merely decided to fill the hall with more seats than the expected attendees.