Ministry of Defence: Outstanding military, civilian staff decorated, promoted soldiers awarded new epaulettes.

The double ceremony held at the esplanade of the Military Headquarters Brigade in Yaounde, Wednesday. The Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Joseph Beti Assomo, presided the ceremony in strict respect of military rituals. 

The event was graced by over 20 members of government, representatives of diplomatic corps and international organisations, military attachés, senior military officials, administrative, religious, traditional authorities and families of the recipients. 

The ceremony kicked off with the award of medals to outstanding military and civilian personnel. 

Recipients were awarded different distinctions ranging from the categories of Order of Valour, Cross of Military Order, Cameroon Order of Merit, Sports Order of Merit, Medal of Valiancy, Medal of Merit of the Forces of Law and Order as well as Labour Medals. 

Newly promoted soldiers receive epaulettes 

The second phase of the ceremony was marked by the award of epaulettes to officers, non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the rank and file promoted to higher ranks through Presidential decree signed June 25 by the Head of State, President Paul Biya, and a Ministerial Decision signed June 26, by Minister Beti Assomo. 

The over 250 recipients in the Yaounde garrison were awarded their newly epaulettes and congratulated for the hard work by Minister Beti Assomo, other members of government and administrative authorities. 

Recipients pledge to work harder

Speaking after receiving their new epaulettes, newly promoted soldiers expressed gratitude to hierarchy and pledged to continue to do their utmost at their respective duty posts.

Major Mickete Ewol Virginie said the new epaulette is fruit of hard work, patience and God’s blessings. The personnel of the 102 Military Airbase in Bertoua pledged to continue doing her utmost in serving the nation through the military. 

Another newly promoted officer, Captain Alain Okando Njopo of the Secretariat of Defence in charge of the Ex-Servicemen and War Victims, was excited to have been raised to a higher rank. 

He said the new rank comes with lots of responsibility. He said with God’s guidance, he will continue to excel in tasks handed him by hierarchy. 

On his part, newly promoted Navy Captain, Foanz Olivier, said it is a day that has come to pass through hard work and discipline. 

The senior official of the marine force said he feels accomplished getting to the higher rank. With the new rank, he said much will be expected of him by hierarchy and he pledges to do his utmost to deliver in his missions. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3835 of Thursday July 02, 2026