Chad on Sunday commemorated the 64th anniversary of its independence with a military parade.
YAOUNDE, Aug. 12 (Xinhua) -- Chad on Sunday commemorated the 64th anniversary of its independence with a military parade.
President Mahamat Idriss Deby Itno presided over the parade in N'Djamena, the capital, with tens of thousands of people gathering to celebrate Independence Day.
People waved Chadian national flags as mechanized units and foot soldiers marched in front of dignitaries, and military aircraft and helicopters flying overhead.
Similar activities were held in several other towns across the country.
"From the first years of independence, our young nation had to face several conflicts which hampered its momentum of development. Internal wars and external aggressions have marred the destiny of our country for several decades," the president said in a televised address to the nation on the eve of the Independence Day.
"Thanks to the resilience of the Chadian people, we are now heading towards the inclusive, integral and harmonious development of our country. The march towards development of this nature, aimed at lasting and shared prosperity, must be collective and resolute," he added.
Chad formally achieved its independence from France on Aug. 11, 1960. ■
