Ministry of defence: Promoted soldiers awarded epaulettes, outstanding personnel honoured with medals.

This was during a grandiose dual ceremony Monday. The event, rich in pomp and fanfare, took place at the courtyard of the Military Headquarters Brigade in Yaounde. 

The solemn ceremony was presided over by the Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Joseph Beti Assomo. 

The MINDEF boss chaired the event in the presence of the Secretary of State to the Minister of Defence in charge of the National Gendarmerie, Galax Yves Landry Etoga, the Secretary of State to the Minister of Defence in charge of Ex-Servicemen and War Victims, Koumpa Issa and other high-ranking personalities of the military.

Also in attendance were several members of government, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives of international organisations, and other special dignitaries, amongst them the Grand Chancellor of the National Orders, Philemon Yang.

Outstanding personnel awarded medals 

The colourful ceremony kick-started with the award of medals. The military ritual was done in respect to the military hierarchy. It started with the recipients of the Order of Valour, which included, Officer of the Order of Valour and Knight of the Order Valour. 

It was followed by the award of the Cameroon Order of Merit consisting of Grand Cordon, Commander of the Cameroon Order of Merit, Officer of the Cameroon Order of Merit and Knight of the Cameroon Order of Merit.

There was a single recipient for the Sports Order of Merit; Officer of the Sports Order of Merit and Knight of the Sports Order of Merit, three officers received the Medal of Valiancy, while others bagged home the Medal of Merit of the Forces of Law and Order and the Labour Medal of Honour with Silver-grit Medal and Silver Medal.

The first phase of the ceremony wrapped up with the award of the Labour Medal of Honour to outstanding civilian personnel of the defence ministry by the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Gregoire Owona.

Promoted soldiers awarded epaulettes

The second part of the ceremony was marked by the award of epaulettes newly promoted soldiers.  

According to the Head of the Communication Division of the Ministry of Defence, Navy Captain Cyrille Serge Atonfack, this follows a Presidential decree from the President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Paul Biya, and a ministerial decision signed by Minister Joseph Beti Assomo.

The officers, non-commissioned officers, and soldiers of the rank and file were promoted to superior ranks in their various corps.

It is worth mentioning that members of the defence forces promoted were decorated during a ceremonial parade in accordance with article 68 relating to decree No.2007/199 of July 2007 to lay down rules of General Discipline in defence forces.

Officers thank Biya, pledge to work harder

Reacting to the medal award and epaulette ceremony, one of the officers, Major Raymond Blaise Manga, who received an epaulette, said that it shows that his superiors are satisfied with his service to the nation. Manga thanked the President of the Republic and also promised to redouble efforts.  

“I want to thank my hierarchy for their support during my military career. I want to thank the Head of State, President Paul Biya, for this honour. It was not easy. Not everyone can climb the ladder from second class soldier to receive this epaulette. I eagerly await instructions from my hierarchy to assign me to a new task which I promise to fulfil,” Manga told reporters.

Another officer who was promoted, Tapongmo Mbouna, expressed her satisfaction. Mbouna described yesterday as a special day in her life. She disclosed that since 2006 when she joined the armed forces, she braved the challenges and is proud of her feat.

“I am overwhelmed with joy. I am happy because the hierarchy has recognised my work which I carried out diligently day and night. My comrades of the national brigade encouraged me to remain firm even when I was at my lowest ebb. I want to thank my colleagues and my family especially for their support,” she said. 

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No: 3156 of Tuesday July 02, 2024