Pope’s visit, 54th National Day: Defence, security chiefs fine-tune strategies for serenity.

The Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Joseph Beti Assomo, chaired the deliberations on the instructions of the Head of State, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Paul Biya.

It was attended by top brass of the country’s defence and security apparatus led by the Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant-General Rene Claude Meka.

Also present were the Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji, and the Delegate General of National Security, Martin Mbarga Nguele, the Secretaries of State to the Minister of Defence in charge of the National Gendarmerie and that of Ex-Servicemen and War Victims among others. 

Minister Beti Assomo told participants that the security meeting is of “exceptional importance” as it holds 14 days to the arrival of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, and 49 days before the 54^th National Day. 

He said the overall security situation of the country is under control despite threats in certain parts of the country. On the global stage, he said persisting conflicts are generating security, diplomatic and socio-economic repercussions already being felt in the country.

Such dicey security environment, the minister said, requires defence and security forces to maintain heightened vigilance and a constant capacity to adapt to new forms of threat.

Prescribes utmost care, precision during Papal visit 

Minister Beti Assomo said the visit of Pope Leo XIV to the country with stops in Yaounde, Bamenda and Douala from April 15 to 18, carries “significant and considerable spiritual, diplomatic and pastoral importance, not only for the millions of Cameroonian Catholics, but also for the Nation as a whole”.

He said the mobilisation of large crowds in open spaces, the securing of the movements of the Supreme Pontiff and his entourage, and coordination with Vatican security services and international partners are all aspects that defence and security forces must address with the “utmost care and precision”.

Minister Beti Assomo said the Bamenda lap of the visit “deserves particular attention”, as it is within the specific security context linked to the armed conflict in the Anglophone regions. 

“Our forces must ensure that the Papal visit in this city proceeds in a calm and fully secure manner,” he stated, prescribing that they “maintain the highest level of vigilance and preparedness, with no room for complacency or failure”. 

The celebration of the 54th edition of National Day on 20 May 2026, the minister said, is another annual event that affirms and consolidates national unity, and mobilises the entirety of the defence and security apparatus across the national territory.

He used the opportunity to commend defence and security forces for the successful coverage of the 14th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization.

He said the success of the global-scale demonstrates Cameroon’s capability and expertise in securing major global events and should inspire and serve as a benchmark for future similar challenges. 

Reviews national security situation 

The minister said the current security situation in the country is under control though with hitches in some regions. 

In the Far North Region, he said Boko Haram terrorist attacks are real and persistent, through kidnappings for ransom and use of Improvised Explosive Devices on major road axes, and the increasing use of drones by the terrorist group. 

In the restive North West and South West Regions, he said separatist threat is increasingly being contained, with gradual return to peace as attested by holding major national events in the two regions. 

He commended the courage, bravery and professionalism of the forces who conduct targeted operations and regular raids against terrorist strongholds, leading to the neutralisation of several so-called “generals”. 

The minister, however, cautioned that attempts by some separatist groups to regroup have been observed in Donga Mantung, Bui and Ngoketunjia Divisions. 

He cited the barbaric attack in Guidado on January 14, 2026, against the Mbororo community by armed separatists as a reminder that the residual capacity for harm remains, and that vigilance must be maintained.

Hostage-taking and cattle theft, he said, remain serious concerns in the Adamawa and North Regions, added to violent incidents at gold mining sites as well as trafficking in high-value strategic minerals.

In the Littoral Region, he said the post-electoral period necessitated reinforced deployment of forces, due to its population density and the volatility of the security climate.

Land, maritime borders under watch 

Beti Assomo disclosed that the activities of Central African rebel groups in the Eastern border, along with a resurgence of kidnappings, continue to exert constant security pressure, with security forces maintaining close monitoring along the extensive land border with the Central African Republic.

The security network along the maritime façade, he said, remains robust and generally under control, while at the borders with Congo-Brazzaville and Equatorial Guinea, the situation is calm and stable.

He said at the border with Nigeria, the situation remains volatile with intelligence indicating an intensification of ISWAP movements on Nigerian territory. 

He said at the border with Chad, the situation has somewhat deteriorated due to the spillover effects of the civil war in Sudan. 

Strengthening civilo-military bond 

The minister said the meeting was also an opportunity to carefully examine the issue of strengthening the bond between the defence and security forces and the nation in the context of the post-electoral crisis. 

He admitted that isolated incidents stemming from regrettable and uncivil individual behaviour somewhat strained the relationship of trust between defence forces and citizens.

“It is our collective responsibility to draw lessons from this and further strengthen this invaluable bond. It is well known that Cameroonians trust their defence and security forces. This trust is a precious asset, built over time through the steadfast dedication and exemplary professionalism of our personnel. It must be continuously preserved and strengthened. Every citizen must feel fully reassured at the sight of a beret worn by our forces, whether green, red, blue or black,” he stated. 

Suggestions made at the in camera meeting, it should be said, are transmitted to the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces for appropriate action.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3752 of Monday April 06, 2026