Military Cooperation - Cameroon Bids Farewell to French Officers

A symbolic ceremony that translated the excellent relations between Cameroon and France. It began with the arrival of the French Ambassador to Cameroon, Bruno Gain and Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Edgard Alain Mebe Ngo'o alongside the Minister Delegate at the Ministry of External Relations in charge of Relations with the Commonwealth, Joseph Dion Ngute. Then, the entry of flags of both countries with some marching soldiers.

It all happened yesterday June 19 at the Ministry of Defence in Yaounde where the Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Edgard Alain Mebe Ngo'o on behalf of the Head of State awarded medals to five officers of the French Military Cooperation at the end of their two-year mission in Cameroon. "Ties between France and Cameroon are fruitful but military cooperation is exemplary," said Edgard Alain Mebe Ngo'o.

The quality of military cooperation, he said, was given another push with the visit of French Prime Minister, François Fillon, notably with the signing on May 21, 2009 of an agreement that was ratified by Parliament on March 18, 2012. He also mentioned the visit to Cameroon from November 28 to December 1, 2011 of the Director of Security and Defence Cooperation in the French Foreign Affairs Ministry, Clement-Bollee who came to review Franco-Cameroonian military partnership.

For two years, the five senior military personnel from France promoted cooperation between both countries. "I was tasked to prepare future candidates for the War College and it was a great success," Lieutenant Colonel Frèdèric told the press. The officers were assigned to different positions in conformity with the cooperation agreement. This was based on their expertise and experience.

The Military Attaché in the French Embassy, Colonel Charles de Kersabiec, said the annual event may seem banal but is pregnant with a lot of meaning. Going by him, the need to sustain friendship and defend partnership between both countries cannot be under-estimated. "The common goal of the two countries is naturally the reinforcement of capacities to better maintain peace," explained Charles de Kersabiec.

Notwithstanding, the Cameroon military still needs more support from the French, especially in the areas of training and equipment, Minister Mebe Ngo'o pointed out.