At New Year’s wishes ceremony: MINDEF boss urges vigilance, discipline amid complex security threats.

He was speaking in Yaounde on Friday, January 16. This was during a ceremony to receive New Year wishes. The ceremony brought together senior military officials, members of the defense and security forces, civilian staff of the ministry, veterans, foreign defence attachés and other guests. 

Beti Assomo said hopes the year would be marked by great achievement and fulfilment, both personally and professionally for personnel of the Ministry of Defence.

The minister outlined the significant pressures facing the State including persistent regional tensions and the emerging threat of sophisticated cyberattacks. 

He emphasised that the military must remain a pillar of stability against internal and external actors seeking to sow discord through disinformation and strategic manipulation of the populace.

2025 review

Reviewing the past year, the minister said 2025 was demanding for defence forces across the country. He noted that the security situation remained difficult, with unresolved tensions in several regions and continued pressure on social cohesion.

According to him, the North West and South West Regions remained affected by the ongoing socio-security crisis, marked by sporadic violence, socio-economic disruption and population displacement. 

He said defence forces also faced criminal gangs operating along highways, using ambushes, improvised explosive devices and kidnappings for ransom.

“The main challenge has been the need to reconcile the operational imperatives of securing the territory with the protection of civilian populations and respect for human rights,” the minister stated.

In the Far North, he said armed jihadist groups continued to pose a threat, requiring a sustained military presence and constant adaptation to new tactics. 

This, he added, had gone hand in hand with strengthened regional cooperation within the framework of the Multinational Joint Task Force of the Lake Chad Basin Commission.

Beti Assomo further revealed that border surveillance was reinforced to combat arms trafficking, smuggling, illegal immigration and the movement of armed groups, particularly along the eastern and western frontiers. 

He noted that, the efforts required significant logistical resources and closer security cooperation at sub-regional level.

The minister recalled the post-election crisis of 2025, noting that, Defence and Security Forces supported civil authorities in restoring order during that period.   He said the armed forces demonstrated discipline and professionalism, earning praise from President Paul Biya.

Global instability, cyber threats

On the international scene, Beti Assomo said global security remained unstable, with increasing armed conflicts, strategic rivalries among major powers and weakening multilateralism. 

“The emergence of unconventional threats such as cyberattacks, disinformation and the strategic and malicious use of Artificial Intelligence, is significantly redefining the modalities of contemporary conflict,” he said, adding that, “the unbridled use of Artificial Intelligence in cyberattacks and campaigns of disinformation or fake news and bashing, carries with it large-scale manipulation in various areas of the life of nations”.

The cyberspace, he said, “ is taking on the appearance of a bullring, a theatre of fierce confrontation between institutional actors, underground groups and faceless organisations whose primary targets are the vital infrastructure of countries, financial systems, political institutions as well as various sensitive databases”.

Such threats, he decried, are contributing to economic disruption, insecurity and migration flows worldwide.

Military discipline, social welfare

To the military hierarchy, Minister Beti Assomo insisted that loyalty, political neutrality, respect for hierarchy and a spirit of sacrifice remain fundamental values of the institution. 

He urged commanders at all levels to ensure rigorous supervision to protect soldiers from pernicious rhetoric designed to demobilise them. 

The minister underscored that the trust established between the security forces and the civilian population remains a determining factor for the success of their missions. He warned that any relaxation of standards would not be tolerated.

The military high command, he said, is committed to improving the welfare of the troops. He pledged continued investment in modernising military infrastructure and improving the living and work conditions of all personnel.

He paid tribute to soldiers and civilians who lost their lives in the line of duty. The minister also acknowledged that some personnel continue to live with lasting physical and psychological injuries.

Commitment to the Republic

Minister Beti Assomo reaffirmed the military’s devotion to the Head of State and the preservation of national unity. The promotion of several generals and senior officers in July 2025, he said, are testaments to the President's recognition of their service.

He stressed that the recognition should be seen as a call for greater commitment, urging strict respect for orders, discipline in operations and professionalism in relations with civilians. 

The ceremony was accentuated with cultural and artistic performances by both military personnel and civilians.  The Minister moved round the event venue and exchanged pleasantries with attendees.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3678 of Monday January 19, 2026