ABIDJAN, Aug. 7 (Xinhua) -- A total of 5,423 personnel from Cote d'Ivoire's defense and security forces, together with military contingents from Benin, Guinea, Gabon and India, took part on Friday in a grand military parade on Boulevard de la Solidarité in the Yopougon commune of Abidjan, as part of the official celebrations marking the 66th anniversary of the country's independence.
Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara officially opened the ceremony by reviewing the troops before taking his seat at the official grandstand alongside several dignitaries, including Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and Guinean Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah.
Accompanied by military bands, the marching parade began with an all-female contingent from the Beninese army, followed by a Gabonese military contingent that drew attention with uniforms inspired by the traditional attire of the peoples of Africa's tropical forests.
The parade of the guest countries concluded with the Guinean special forces, following the march-past of an Indian military contingent.
The national parade then featured military, paramilitary and special units, as well as cadets from military schools and training centers.
The marching units were followed by a display of their operational equipment, including 534 vehicles and other assets, such as military vehicles, motorcycles, tanks, drones, armored vehicles, aircraft and patrol boats.
Following the military parade, the National Ballet of Cote d'Ivoire staged a carnival performance entitled "From the Land to Prosperity," featuring several allegorical floats showcasing the country's agricultural and agro-industrial wealth through its major export sectors.
Accompanied by 700 young performers, the floats took the audience on a musical and choreographic journey through the country's main production areas for cocoa, coffee, pineapples, cashew nuts, oil palm and cotton.
