Oh, what a grand spectacle we witnessed in Yaoundé, celebrating the 51st anniversary of the “glorious” Unity State! May 20th in Cameroon. As we marveled at the parade, let’s not forget to question the true meaning of unity in a country torn apart by conflict and political repression.

“President” Paul Biya made his grand entrance at precisely 12 o’clock noon, with a motorcade consisting of three processions. There were 24 motorcycles, ridden by an escort that zoomed ahead. Then came a cavalry of 24 horses, adding a touch of medieval flair to the affair. And of course, we can’t forget the airborne escort, because nothing says “majestic” quite like an escort hovering above in the sky. It was a meticulously orchestrated display, capturing the essence of the Cameroonian people’s expertise and sense of splendor, even for a Mockery of parade of Unity.

While the parade showcased a display of power and grandeur, it conveniently ignored the harsh reality faced by the people of the South West and North West regions. As these regions continue to suffer from the devastating effects of war, their absence in the festivities was a stark reminder of the deep divisions within the so-called “unified” nation. And yes, by all sources from CameroonNewsToday.com on the ground, Bamenda, Buea, and many other anglophone cities were a militarized zone on this 20th of May.

But wait, there’s more! Let’s not overlook the fact that many political leaders who dared to express their opinions find themselves languishing in jail. Yes, that’s right. Behind the facade of celebration, the voices of dissent have been silenced, and those who dare to challenge the status quo are locked away, their absence felt in the supposedly grand event.

Oh, and how could we forget the recent assassination of fearless journalist Martinez Zogo? A few months ago, he paid the ultimate price for daring to speak truth to power. In the midst of this elaborate display of unity, his absence loomed large, a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those who strive for transparency and accountability.

So, let’s take a moment to ponder: What unity are we truly celebrating? Is it the unity that conveniently ignores the suffering of entire regions? Is it the unity that incarcerates political dissidents and silences opposing voices? Or is it the unity that turns a blind eye to the violence inflicted upon journalists who dare to uncover inconvenient truths?

As the grand parade unfolded, it became clear that this celebration was nothing more than a mockery of unity. While the privileged few reveled in the spectacle, the rest of the nation was left questioning the true meaning of unity and the stark disparities that persist within our society.

It’s high time we moved beyond empty displays of grandeur and confronted the painful realities that plague our nation. Only then can we truly celebrate a unity that encompasses the voices, aspirations, and well-being of all Cameroonians. Until then, the grand parade remains nothing more than a hollow charade.