At Open Door Days: Defence, security forces showcase might, consolidate bond with population.

This was at the Defence and Security Open Days organised by the Ministry of Defence, MINDEF. The annual event to make the Cameroonian defence and security system better known to the general public, held at the Yaounde 101 Military Airbase from May 17 to 19, 2026. 

It was organised as part of the ministry’s activities to mark the celebration of the 54^th edition of the National Day celebrated yesterday nationwide under the theme: “National Unity: Backbone of our defense system, bedrock of Cameroon’s development”.

The Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Joseph Beti Assomo, officially closed the three-day joint exhibition on Tuesday, May 19. 

He was accompanied by several top brass of the military, special invitees and a delegation of Chadian soldiers invited by the Head of State for the National Day. 

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. 

Atonfack said the event is an excellent opportunity for Cameroonian youths to gain a better understanding of the military and security apparatus, the various career profiles, training courses and recruitment procedures to visitors. 

He said in a context marked by constant threats of various kinds, defence and security mechanisms and systems need public support more than ever. 

During a tour of various exhibition stands, officials of the different defence and security components briefed the minister and his delegation on the names, nature and use of the equipment on display.

Cross MINDEF winners awarded 

Prior to the closing of the Defence Open Days, winners of the 14^th edition of the cross country race dubbed Cross MINDEF were awarded medals and trophies.

The race which kicked off at 6a.m. was presided by the Secretary General of the Ministry of Defence, Saïd Kamsouloum. 

Participating athletes took part in the under 35 and over 35 categories over a distance of 14.8km, while persons with reduced mobility competed in a 2.8km race and a 2km walk.

The finishing point of the race was at the Military Headquarters Brigade which also featured a display of Karate from young children, MINDEF bodybuilders, Taekwondo and dance from various parts of the country. 

The category for persons with disability was divided into three groups: wheelchair users, athletes with lower-limb amputations, those with upper-limb amputations and visual impairments. 

Moussa Digai and Sikamzie Rahim won the men’s amputee category by successfully completing the 2.8 km race while Nga Fouda won for the female category. 

In the women under 35 category, Trainee Gendarme Mongo Mbape finished first ahead of Sergeant Mboro Danielle and Second Class Soldier Belomo Ndzena. 

In the men’s category, Corporal Umarou Mohamadou emerged winner, followed by Private First Class Soldiers Fouba Nkemaï and Lawan Moussa.

Enter MINDEF Sports Director 

Speaking during the ceremony to award medals and trophies to victorious athletes, the Director of Military Sports and Cultural Activities at MINDEF, Colonel Raymond Serge Kaole Aleokol, said the 14^th edition of the Cross MINDEF covered 14 kilometers for able-bodied athletes and three-kilometres for those with disability.

Colonel Kaole Aleokol saluted Minister Beti Assomo for the considerable financial and logistical supports made to sporting and cultural activities in line with the Army-Nation concept so dear to the Head of State, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Paul Biya. 

He said such efforts reflect the spirit of comradeship which indissolubly binds defence and security community. The official said it is with such investment in sporting activities within the defence and security forces that Cameroonians officers shine both nationally and internationally. 

He said this year’s Cross MINDEF had nearly 2,500 participants, including 1,700 military athletes of all categories drawn from the five Joint Military Regions; 100 military athletes with disability wounded at the battle front; 25 athletes from the police force; 18 athletes from the Ministry of Forestry and Wildlife; five athletes from the Prison Administration; 25 foreign military advisers.

Colonel Kaole Aleokol said participating athletes also included 175 personnel from partner institutions, including the Port Authority of Douala with nearly 35 athletes.

He said the annual sporting activity consolidates the Army-Nation bond, fosters healthy competition among the troops, strengthens professional ties within an expanded defence and security community, perpetuates solidarity and the spirit of comradeship with foreign military attaches. 

He expressed gratitude to sponsors such as Port Authority of Douala, Afriland First Bank, Les Boissons du Cameroun, U-Fresh among others. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3794 of Thursday May 21, 2026