State House : Veritable Moment of People-leader Communion

Cameroon’s solidarity with itself and the rest of the world, demonstrated through sharing, was once again on display last evening (May 20, 2024) at the State House. After a colourful march past at the 20th May Boulevard, marking the 52nd National Day in which the Presidential couple actively participated, Paul and Chantal Biya treated some invited Cameroonians and friends of the country to a hectic party at the Unity Palace.
It was a moment not only to share food and drinks, reminiscent of Cameroon’s diversity, but equally to exchange pleasantries in true solidarity, quite typical of the Africa’s in miniature.
Void of speeches, the State House reception had all it required to make the guests comfortable with their host. The beautiful décor, the red carpet rolled in both the Banquet Hall and the adjacent reception hall (Garden) as well as the water fountain that was fully set in motion to honour the guests from all walks of life. An avenue for some of the privileged guests to take souvenir photos before heading in to eat, drink and chat. The anxiety on their faces upon arrival and the joy expressed throughout their stay at Unity Palace were enough to tell that the State House reception was a dream come true for many, notably the first-timers.
In fact, at 6:30 pm when the gates of Unity Palace were closed to signal the end of arrivals, the two halls were almost jammed to capacity with Cameroonians and friends of the country who had honoured the executive invitation to share in Cameroon’s legendary hospitality. Notable at yesterday’s State House reception was the huge attendance, almost similar to none in recent...