The night of Monday, October 31, 2022, preceding the opening ceremony of the 40th-anniversary celebration of the Yaounde Conference Centre was marked by intense preparations.

Sous la lumière blême des lampadaires, certaines personnes, torches en mains, montent encore une tente. While others leave the site under the roar of a car. It is already past 8 pm. And not everything is ready yet for the pavilion of the telecom operator Camtel, which is still waiting to be dressed. Just in front of the water fountains of the Palace esplanade, we have almost finished assembling the pavilion for the wine of honour. Only a few adjustments need to be made.

Inside the Palace, more precisely in the hall of the building, exhibitors-artisans are trying to give more brightness to their objects. While the staplers crackle in the hall of acts. The red carpet still has its usual shine.

On the stage, a group of young people give their voices. It is time for rehearsals. In spite of the tiredness which appears on their faces. It is necessary to find a good tempo to execute with brilliance the hymn for the fortieth anniversary. The party will be beautiful!

By Jean Materne Zambo