At Defence Open Days: MINDEF showcases might, consolidates army & nation bond.

The annual event to make the Cameroonian defence system better known to the general public, held at the Yaounde 101 Military Airbase from May 17 to 19, 2024. 

It was organised as part of the ministry’s activities to mark the celebration of the 52^nd edition of the National Day under the theme: “Army and Nation: Together for a United, Peaceful and Prosperous Cameroon”.

The Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Joseph Beti Assomo, officially closed the three-day joint exhibition of the Cameroonian Armed Forces, National Police and Customs Department on Sunday May 19. 

He was accompanied in the exercise by the Minister of Finance, Louis Paul Motaze. Also present were the top brass of the Ministry of Defence and the Delegate General for National Security, Martin Mbarga Nguele. 

Military officials from neighbouring Equatorial Guinea who are special guest of the Head of State, Paul Biya, to witness the National Day celebration as well as huge crowd of population also lived the closing ceremony. 

Objective of Defence Open Days 

Prior to the visit of the various exhibition stands, the Head of the Communication Division at the Ministry of Defence, Navy Captain Atonfack Guemo, explained that the annual event is meant to consolidate the bond between army and nation by presenting the organisation, missions, capabilities and potential of the Cameroonian defence system to the general public. 

He said the Open Days are also an excellent opportunity for Cameroonian youth to gain a better understanding of the military and security apparatus. 

The event, he added, is also to promote careers by presenting the various trades, career profiles, training courses and recruitment procedures as well as to sensitise compatriots on popular defence and enforcement of law and order based on the ideals of peace, unity, stability and prosperity.

“For the Cameroonian Armed Forces, Police and Customs Department, the melting pot of national unity whose 52^nd anniversary we will celebrate Monday, 20 May 2024, this means presenting and informing about the materials, equipment and methods they use to fulfil their republican missions,” Atonfack said. 

He said in a context marked by constant threats of various kinds, defence and security mechanisms and systems need public support more than ever. “The people also need to be better informed about both the threats they face and the resources deployed to ensure their security,” he added.

Officials of the different defence and security components comprising National Gendarmerie, the Army, Air Force, Navy, National Fire Brigade, Ex-Servicemen and War Victims, and National Police, briefed officials and visitors about the names, nature and use of the equipment on display.

Specific equipment used by the Cameroonian Customs Department were also on display.

The presence of the National Police and the Customs Department, Navy Captain Atonfack said, reflects “the excellent synergy between the security and economic actors, who are also engaged on all fronts to protect Cameroon’s territorial integrity and guarantee the free movement of people and goods”.

He said it also reflects the “importance of government interaction in consolidating the country’s resilience in a gloomy global economic context”. 

Aside the military-security aspect displayed on the stands, Navy Captain Atonfack said, the defence and security forces have over the years, become full-fledged actors in the development of the nation.

“This is particularly the case of the Military Engineering Corps and the Department of Military Health, among others,” he said. 

Outstanding athletes awarded 

Prior to the closing of the Defence Open Days, the ministry also organised the 12^th edition of the race dubbed Cross MINDEF. The three-category race saw the participation of officers drawn from across the five Joint Military Regions. 

The kick of the race was given on behalf of the Minister Beti Assomo by the Secretary General at MINDEF, Said Kamsouloum. 

The first category of the race was 2.8 kilometres for physically challenged officers and war victims. The second category measuring 14.8 kilometres was for the abled officers below 35 and the last category was a sports walk measuring 3.7 kilometres for officers above 35 years. 

The finishing point of the race at the Military Headquarters Brigade also featured display of Nanbudo and body building skills. It was graced by cultural and artistic performances. 

Prizes were awarded to the winners of the race in different categories as well as special prizes to sponsors of the event by the Ministry of Defence.