At attribution of insignias, installation of military top brass: Defence minister urges upholding of discipline, assiduity within corps.

He was speaking on Thursday, August 14, during a dual ceremony at the esplanade of the Military Headquarters Brigade in Yaounde. 

The ceremony was to attribute insignias to the newly promoted Major Generals and Vice Admirals; and newly appointed Brigadier Generals and Rear Admirals, as well as install Chiefs of Staff of the Army and Air Force.

The ceremony followed presidential degrees of July 15, 2025, appointing and promoting the military bass to the various ranks and posts of responsibility.

The ceremony started with the attribution of insignias to newly promoted Major Generals and Vice Admirals. They were eight in number. It was followed by the attribution of insignias to newly appointed Brigadier Generals and Rear Admirals, who were seven in number.

Meanwhile, the next phase of the ceremony was the installation of the newly appointed Army Chief of Staff, in the person of Major General Saly Mohamadou; and then the installation of the newly appointed Air Force Chief of Staff, Air Commodore Eba Eba Bede Benoit.

Military adapting to national, int’l challenges

In his speech during the event, Minister Beti Assomo said the recent appointments and promotions by the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces is in line with the zeal to adapt the armed forces to challenges within national and international security context. He noted that it is also aimed at optimising effectiveness of the defence forces.

Mentioning global security exacerbated by armed terrorist groups with conflicts between States resurfacing around the world and the situation in Europe and Middle East, Minister Beti Assomo said armed forces have to make changes to deal with security threats.

“…the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces had to revitalise the command and give a fresh impetus to the armed forces,” he said.

Noting that the newly commissioned Brigadier Generals and Rear Admirals have served the nation with fidelity, he called on them to remain diligent within their new rank.    

The minister urged them to be assiduous in carrying out the daunting tasks assigned to them, stating that their appointment is the result of an exemplary journey, but also the beginning of an even more demanding commitment.

“The nation expects from you enlightened leadership, all-time and unfailing loyalty to Republican institutions,” he said. 

“Your new status imposes on you dignity, tact, sagacity and attitude,” Minister Beti Assomo told them.

“The confidence of the people are on your shoulders concerning security…you can count on the support of the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces to attain the mission assigned you,” he added.

Meanwhile, to the Major Generals and Vice Admirals, he sent the Head of State’s congratulations on their loyalty to the state and services rendered. He said by their promotion, the Head of State renews his high confidence in them as they remain “living models of the armed forces”. 

Uphold discipline within troops

Addressing the new Army Chief of Staff, Major General Saly Mohamadou, and Air Force Chief of Staff, Air Commodore Eba Eba Bede Benoit, Minister Assomo urged them to uphold discipline within the troops.

He said discipline and moral rectitude and behavior towards civilians within the national territory is of prime importance.

The event was attended by members of government, members of the diplomatic corps, administrative, traditional, religious and military authorities. It ended with a military parade.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3537 of Monday August 18, 2025