The National Fire Brigade – CNSP Command Post in Warda, Yaounde hosted the inauguration ceremony of a commemorative monument on Friday, April 10, 2026, marking the 40th anniversary of the CNSP

The high-profile ceremony placed under the Distinguished Patronage of President Paul Biya was presided over by the Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defense, Joseph Beti Assomo. The gathering brought together the nation’s military elite, including the Secretary of State for Defense and representatives from French military cooperation, to honor four decades of unwavering civil protection.

​During his keynote address, Major General Mahamat Ahmed Kotoko, Commander of the CNSP, reflected on the institutional vocation of the brigade. He described the Corps as a fundamental “republican institution” and an essential bulwark against the diverse perils that threaten Cameroonian lives and property.

His speech emphasized the core values of promptness, discipline, and abnervation that have defined the brigade’s interventions since its inception. For the General, the anniversary was not just a celebration of time, but a testament to the brigade’s critical role at the heart of the nation’s civil protection strategy.

The atmosphere turned somber and deeply respectful as General Kotoko paid tribute to the “soldiers of fire” who lost their lives during the exercise of duty. In a moving address, he honored the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to preserve the lives of others.

He presented the newly inaugurated commemorative monument as more than just stone and mortar; he described it as a “silent call” to current and future generations. It serves as a permanent reminder of the commitment and solidarity that form the bedrock of the CNSP’s identity, ensuring that the bravery of fallen heroes is never forgotten.

Supporting this sentiment, Minister Joseph Beti Assomo hailed the National Fire Brigade as a “vital pillar” of Cameroon’s national security architecture. He highlighted the decisive contribution of the Corps in managing disasters, accidents, and emergency situations across the country.

The Minister noted that by erecting this monument, the Nation is effectively carving the memory of its most selfless servants into history. He further used the platform to transmit a personal message of compassion and concern from President Paul Biya to the families of those who died during interventions.

​The ceremonial peak occurred when the Minister and his delegation officially unveiled the monument and laid a floral wreath at its base. This gesture was a profound symbol of the State’s resolve to maintain a living memory of its fallen soldiers. The act of laying the wreath served to bridge the gap between the mourning families and the grateful nation, reinforcing the idea that those who dedicate themselves to the fatherland until the supreme sacrifice will always hold an “everlasting” place in the country’s collective consciousness.

The festivities concluded with traditional protocols, including the signing of the golden book and a commemorative family photo. However, the engagement extended beyond the official ceremony, as attendees were invited to a guided tour of Open Day exhibitions held at the Boulevard du 20 Mai.

These exhibitions allowed the public to witness the technical expertise and equipment of the CNSP firsthand, successfully bridging the gap between the “soldiers of fire” and the citizens they are sworn to protect as they look forward to the next forty years.