On 8 May 2026 in Yaoundé, Cameroon and France paid a heartfelt tribute to the soldiers who died during the Second World War. A commemorative ceremony attended by both Cameroonian and French officials was held at the Leclerc Monument to celebrate the victory of the Allies and honour the sacrifice of the freedom fighters.
Combining remembrance, gratitude and transmission to younger generations, the ceremony marking the 81st anniversary of the Armistice of 8 May 1945 in Yaoundé revived the memory of the heroes of the Second World War.
On 8 May 2026, the Colonel Leclerc historical monument, located in the heart of Yaoundé, was the venue for the commemoration of the 81st anniversary of the Armistice that brought the Second World War in Europe to an end. A formal ceremony presided over by His Excellency Sylvain Riquier, The French Ambassador to Cameroon, was held in the presence of Cameroonian and French military authorities, the diplomatic corps and veterans.
The Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence was represented by Mr Koumpa Issa, Secretary of State to the Minister of Defence in charge of Ex-Servicemen and War Victims. Following the parade, the national anthems of Cameroon and France were performed by the Armed Forces Main Band, in an atmosphere of solemnity and comradery.
The ceremony also included the presentation of medals to Cameroonian and French military personnel in recognition of their service and dedication.
In his commemorative address, the French Ambassador to Cameroon highlighted the decisive role played by African soldiers in general, and those from Cameroon in particular, in the victory of the Allies. He also made it a point of honour to remind that France would neither have regained its freedom nor won the war without the soldiers from the colonies. A glowing hommage was thus rendered to the Cameroonian Riflemen who fought alongside the Allies during the conflict.
One of the highlights of the commemoration was the laying of a wreath at the foot of the Leclerc monument by the Cameroonian and French authorities, followed by the playing of the Last Post and the observance of a minute’s silence in memory of those who passed away.
This celebration also serves as a reminder of the historic part played by Cameroon in the Free French Movement. It is worth recalling that, as early as 27 August 1940, Cameroon rallied to General de Gaulle under the leadership of Colonel Leclerc, thereby contributing to the legitimacy and survival of the Free French Movement during the war. /-
