MINDEF uses PROMOTE exhibitions to reinforce army-nation bond.

This, he said, is through their wonderful exhibitions and interaction with citizens from across the board at the ongoing International Business, SMEs and Partnership Exhibition Fair, PROMOTE. 

The minister commended the strong showing put up by the defence forces after visiting their imposing stand at the PROMOTE village at the Yaounde Conference Centre on Wednesday, June 17.

Minister Beti Assomo toured the MINDEF stand and where military units are presenting their missions, expertise and achievements in areas ranging from security and emergency response to infrastructure development, healthcare and local production. 

He was accompanied by the Secretary of State in charge of the National Gendarmerie, Yves Galax Etoga, alongside top brass of the military high command.

Minister Beti Assomo was received at the site by the Head of the Communications Division at MINDEF, Navy Captain Cyrille Serge Atonfack Guemo.

Atonfack briefed the minister and his delegation on their mission at PROMOTE and led them to tour the various stands, where representatives of different military units are showcasing their activities.

He said a flagship innovation at this year's edition is the stand of the Ultra-Modern Central Tailoring Workshop for the Armed Forces and the Gendarmerie, which has been operating for one year. 

He said the unit currently produces up to 1,000 uniforms daily and can increase production to 1,500 when demand rises. He said the workshop produced military uniforms that were used during this year’s National Day celebrations, which were previously sourced abroad. Atonfack this reflects the ministry’s drive towards greater strategic autonomy. 

Careers & public service

The Human Resources Directorate outlined ongoing efforts to modernise recruitment, career management, promotions and disciplinary processes for both military and civilian personnel serving within the ministry.

The Military Cooperation Division highlighted the country's growing network of bilateral defense agreements, including accords signed since 2018 with Turkey, Algeria, Brazil, Great Britain, and, most recently, South Korea and Nigeria, that have benefited over a hundred officers through training in war colleges and higher institutes of study.

The Secretariat of State in charge of Ex-Combatants and War Victims, used the occasion to highlight programmes supporting former service personnel and promoting career opportunities within the armed forces.

Units showcase achievements

The National Gendarmerie presented its various operational missions, including public order maintenance, road safety, and elite intervention operations accessible through toll-free numbers 113 for distress calls, and 1501 when the abuse is by gendarme officers. 

On road safety, representatives reported a 71 per cent reduction in road accidents since the launch of a dedicated operation in 2011, with recorded incidents falling from 1,588 to 373 in 2025.

The Air Force showcased its missions in airspace surveillance, protection and support to other defence services, meanwhile Navy officials stated that maritime operations generate approximately 5 billion FCFA annually for the State.

The Military Engineering Corps showcased infrastructure projects including road construction, school development and rehabilitation works. 

Among the projects highlighted were the rehabilitation of the Bamenda Airport and ongoing road projects linking strategic areas of the country.

The National Firefighters Corps reported carrying out 2,915 interventions since the beginning of 2026, representing about 1,000 more operations than the annual average recorded previously. 

The corps also showcased specialised equipment for prolonged emergency interventions and responses to nuclear, biological, radiological and chemical threats.

The Military Health Service presented its operational medical support activities and emergency response services deployed at the exhibition grounds. 

A blood donation station manned by military health personnel rounded off the showcase. Officials reported that hundreds of voluntary blood donors had already contributed since the exhibition opened.

Minister encourages personnel

After touring each stand and receiving presentations from unit representatives, Minister Beti Assomo acknowledged the work being carried out by the various units and encouraged military personnel to continue their efforts.

In his concluding remarks, Navy Captain Atonfack thanked the minister and his entourage for the visit. He noted that the success of the detachment is measured not only by the enthusiasm of visitors, but also by the presence of senior leadership. 

“Your presence, together with all the senior officials accompanying you, gives us encouragement and shows the public that we are not an isolated detachment. We are a detachment that is monitored, supported and accompanied,” Atonfack stated.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post No 3822 Friday, June 19, 2026