Natural fault or sabotage?

Biya’s limousine breaks down on 20 May

President Biya’s Limousine refused to start when he mounted it to salute the guard of honour, during the national day ceremonies at the May 20 Avenue in Yaounde.

                President Biya arrived at the ceremonial ground in a black Mercedez Benz saloon car. He was escorted by a guard comprising 24 motorcycles and with gun-proof armoured jeeps trailing behind.

                Upon arrival at the May 20 Avenue, the head of state genuflected before the national flag and then made for a black topless limousine that had been stationed to drive him along he Avenue for the inspection of the guard of honour.

                But no sooner had the president positioned himself on the vehicle than he was signaled to mount instead another limousine car that was stationed immediately behind the black limousine.

                It later emerged that the engine of the black limousine had refused to be ignited. Because of the break down, the limousine had to be pushed out of the way by security officers.

                Worthy to mention that the National Day was celebrated barely two days after the international economic conference in Yaounde, that witnessed the participation of high dignitaries from all over the world. Some of these dignitaries were present at the grandstand of the May 20 Avenue as special guests of the President. 

                But as taciturn as he is known to be, President Biya behaved as though nothing had happened. Yet, it is already speculated that those who were charged with providing the logistics for the national event are going to pay dearly for the public disgrace that the president was subjected to on the National Day.