The May 20 Boulevard in Yaounde is filled with thousands of people geared up for the 43rd National Day of Unity march past presided over by the Head of State and President of the Republic, Paul Biya.

In attendance are a host of top government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, and a huge crowd of expectant Cameroonians who want to catch a glimpse of the president's arrival.

There will be a military march past and a civilian march past comprising of over 30 political parties as well as schools. The surprise of the moment is the participation of the Chadian army who are supporting Cameroon in the fight against Boko Haram.

Business is booming as paraphernalia depicting the mark of unity of the Cameroonian people is being sold in the street as everyone present wants to be seen as part of the frenzy.

Over the weekend, Cameroonians from the 10 Regions showcased their sense of patriotism by participating in the traditional Unity March past to mark the celebration of the National Day today.

The Prime focus for this year’s Unity March past was devoted to the Cameroonian armed forces in the North as reflected in the theme of this Year’s celebration: Defense forces and the Nations’ vital forces acting in synergy to meet up with security challenges and preserving peace, stability in Cameroon and Central Africa.

With singing and dancing, trumpets and shouts of acclamation, marchers displayed common messages on billboards such as peace, unity, national stability and integration while holding the nation’s flag and other emblems.

The Unity March converged close to 20,000 people in Yaounde led by the Head of States’ representative Prime Minister Philemon Yang and other cabinet Ministers.

The March was followed by an Ecumenical service which brought together religious representatives from the Protestants, Roman Catholic and Islam faith who prayed for more grace for the Cameroonian defense forces in the Far North, and for long lasting peace, security, unity, love and national integration in Cameroon.