YAOUNDE, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Central African Republic marked its 66th Independence Day on Thursday as President Faustin-Archange Touadera called for reforms to advance the country's modernization.
"This institutional change is not a mere formality. It commits us to a radical and comprehensive transformation of our country. We are not repairing the old system; we are building a new Central African Republic," Touadera said in a televised address.
"This metamorphosis must unfold on every front: political, security, economic, social, and environmental," he added.
Touadera also struck a firm tone on security, saying the reform agenda would not be stopped by outside pressure.
"No incursion, no security-related blackmail from enemies will make the country back down," he said. "Our response will be systematic, comprehensive, and relentless."
The anniversary was marked by military and civilian parades in cities across the country.
The Central African Republic gained its independence from France on Aug. 13, 1960. ■