Preparatory activities began on Sunday, 1 March 2026, with a sports fitness walk and a football match for amputees, organised by the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education. The Ministry of Defence was notably represented by the Department of Sports, Artistic and Cultural Activities, as well as the Police and Armed Forces Handisport Federation (FAP Handisport), whose participation significantly contributed to the event’s success.
The official launch ceremony took place on Monday, 2 March 2026, and was marked by a flag-hoisting ceremony at the courtyard of the Ministry of External Relations. The ceremony was presided over by Felix MBAYU, Minister Delegate to the Minister of External Relations in charge of Cooperation with the Commonwealth.
As a key stakeholder, the Ministry of Defence was represented by two guards of honour, composed of personnel from the National Gendarmerie and the Army, accompanied by the National Gendarmerie Band. The contingent was under the command of Major ANNOH NJAH NUGANGHA Anselm, Commonwealth Focal Point of the Ministry of Defence.
On 2 and 3 March 2026, the Ministry of Defence further showcased its activities through participation in the Commonwealth Village exhibition at the Yaoundé City Council Esplanade. Four major departments took part in the exhibition, namely:
- the Department of Military Engineering,
- the Department of Human Resources,
- the Military Cooperation Division, and
- the Military Communication Division.
These departments animated three exhibition stands, presenting the expertise, achievements and professionalism of the Defence Forces to numerous visitors and stakeholders. In recognition of this contribution, the Ministry of Defence was later awarded a Certificate of Appreciation.
Another major engagement took place on 9 March 2026 during a conference-debate organised by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Civic Education at the conference hall of the Ministry of Employment and Vocational Training. The discussion was held under the theme “Cultivating Success: Opportunities for a Prosperous Youth and Women across Cameroon and the Commonwealth.”
On this occasion, the Commonwealth Focal Point of the Ministry of Defence delivered a presentation titled “The Involvement of the Ministry of Defence in the Mentoring and Empowerment of Youth and Women in the Service of Cameroon’s Development.” The presentation highlighted the role of the Defence Forces in supporting initiatives that empower youth and women as nation builders while strengthening the Army and Nation bond.
It is also worth noting that the Ministry of Defence played a significant role throughout the week-long celebrations, notably through its involvement in awarding prizes to outstanding students and other participants, thereby contributing to the promotion of excellence and youth engagement within the Commonwealth framework.
