Yaoundé: Francois Hollande was late

French president, Francois Hollande, arrived at the Nsimalen airport 40 minutes after the time indicated by the State Protocol.

The first aircraft which landed on the tarmac at the Nsimalen airport, on Friday, was a false signal. After the reporter announced the arrival of François Hollande on the national station, the welcoming committee rushed to make final preparations for the French president’s arrival.

It was the same scene of panic among media men and cameramen who were limited by a security fence. The first aircraft was carrying a part of the French delegation. "Keep your calm and be careful. The arriving aircraft is not the one which has the French President. It's an advance plane which will go to the dock of the commercial airport," advised one of the presidential securities via his walkie-talkie.

Meanwhile, Government officials were also impatient and eager to meet François Hollande. Louis Paul Motaze and André Mama Fouda engaged in a conversation to while away time.

Just 30 minutes after this scene was the arrival of the president of the Republic of Cameroon, Paul Biya, at the Nsimalen airport. The 1erescadron of the gendarmerie Commander, lieutenant colonel Boum, Commander of the troops of more than 260 elements belonging to the defence and security forces of, had a little consultation with some officials.

Not far from the officials was the Institute of Youth and Sports (INJS) band in full swing. A dance troupe consisting of girls and women of Upper Sanaga and a section of CPDM of Mefou and Afamba department entertained drivers, service protocols, bodyguards of Government officials and elements of the Presidential Guard (Dsp) with their performances.

Photographers

This time around, photographers were relaxed at the sight of another aircraft which had the French President. The Super-Jumbo landed at 5:35 and Paul Biya moved towards the plane. He waited for about five minutes at the bottom of the stairs before he saw Hollande and welcomed him.

This increased the enthusiasm of the media men and photographers. Some protested when they saw their French colleagues were better positioned than them and they were not in the security fence. "My colonels, my general, we can no longer see anything", complained some of them. "Tell these cameramen to move to the left", suggested some. With a hand gesture, General Ivo, Commander of Dsp, allowed them a few metres close, to get a good shot.

After the welcoming and embracing each other, the two presidents joined the platform meant for singing of the two national anthems. Meanwhile, the music company of the presidential guard played 'the march of presidents', under the direction of Captain Marcel Ntsa. After the singing of the national anthems, the ceremonial pleasantries took place. Paul Biya and his guest left for the presidential palace after.

On his way, François Hollande lost his way but was often guided by the State Protocol: "Sir come back. It is this way," Dieudonné Bikelé told him. The two heads of State boarded the same vehicle which drove them straight to the Unity Palace. On the road, people chanted songs of welcome. Palm leaves were also used for decorations.