Biya urges new Generals to hear everything, carefully weigh their words.

This was during a ceremony to officially commission the new Generals and hand them insignias corresponding to their new ranks. It held at the courtyard of the Military Headquarters Brigade in Yaounde on Friday, September 25. 

Several members of government, members of the diplomatic corps, military top brass, administrative, religious, traditional authorities as well as families and friends of the new Generals attended the ceremony. 

The newly promoted are: Brigadier General Eloundou Mesmin Magloire Aristide, Central Director of Administration and Logistics at the National Gendarmerie; Brigadier General Beko’o Abondo Raymond Jean Charles, Commander of the Presidential Guard; Brigadier General Nchankou Mbouombouo Njindam Omar, Commander of the 11th Motorised Infantry Brigade; Brigadier General Epie Ngome Wilson, Inspector of Forces at the Defence Headquarters; and Brigadier General Mezui Zo’o Elie Romance, Commander of the Rapid Intervention Brigade. 

Hear everything, carefully weigh what you say 

In his address, Minister Beti Assomo conveyed President Biya’s congratulations for the brilliant and well-deserved promotions of the soldiers. 

He said the promotion crowns their “long years of effort, self-sacrifice, hard work, discipline, courage, and credibility” in serving the nation with honour and loyalty within the armed forces.

Minister Beti Assomo on behalf of President Biya urged them to in all circumstances, prove themselves worthy of the elevation to the prestigious circle of Generals.

“…do not allow yourselves to be intoxicated or carried away by the euphoria of your promotions,” he cautioned, while urging them to fully be aware of the “constraints and expectations” that the career progression now places on their shoulders. 

Be it in public or private, Minister Beti Assomo said their new stature imposes upon them “dignity, tact, presence, sagacity in analysis, correctness in language, in attitudes, and in behavior, an ever-expanding general knowledge, restraint, and prudence in speech”. 

“You have the right and even the obligation to hear everything, but you do not have the right to say everything outside the frameworks prescribed to you by military regulations,” he told the new Generals. 

Beti Assomo said the speech of a General must always be “carefully weighed and pondered”, as it can be a source of misunderstandings. 

He also urged them to stay away from the “partisan divisions of activists of all sides” who have fruitlessly been trying to provoke or invite soldiers into debates that do not concern them, or which fall outside the sphere of competence and duties.

Beti Assomo also reminded the new Generals of their oath of honour and loyalty, noting that it is a lifelong commitment that must be respected throughout their career.

He recalled that honour is a sense of dignity, a moral principle that calls for upright and loyal conduct; self-respect, integrity and reputation.

Honour, he told them, calls for the oath of loyalty, respect for the mission, the flag, the Republic and the commitments to serve the country at all cost. 

Beti Assomo also prescribed them loyalty to institutions and to those who embody them, beginning with the Head of State. He said loyalty in a soldier is inherent to honour. 

Minister Beti Assomo told the new Generals that the hopes of Cameroonians in matters of defense and security now rest on them are their peers in arms.

“You possess all the human, professional, and intellectual capabilities to meet the great challenges that await you. You can count on my constant support and especially on that of the Head of State, Head of our Armed Forces, His Excellency Paul Biya,” the minister assured them. 

He was upbeat that with their expertise, consolidated professional experience, combined their military and academic credentials, would see them effectively succeed in their responsibilities. 

Other senior officials installed

The event also featured the installation of Brigadier General Melingui Nouma Donatien as Commander of the First Joint Military Region. 

He was commissioned by Minister Beti Assomo. He replaces the late Brigadier General Ezo'o Mvondo Simon.

In another ritual, Brigadier General Melingui then installed the new Commander of the Military Headquarters Brigade, Colonel Ekoman Ekoman Yves Edgard, who takes over from Colonel Matiang Charles. 

Speaking earlier, Minister Beti Assomo urged Brigadier General Melingui to ensure discipline among troops under their command, also keep close watch to the East and South Regions which are under his area of command. 

The minister tasked Colonel Ekoman Ekoman Yves Edgard to be vigilant in the strategic area handed to him in protecting the capital city. 

He particularly tasked the new Commander of the Military Headquarters Brigade to ensure discipline, moral rectitude among troops and ensure they are in good relations with the population. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3923 of Monday September 28, 2026