On behalf of President Paul Biya, the Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Joseph Beti Assomo, decorated three French military personnel with the Medal of Knight of the Cameroonian Order of Merit on Friday, June 12, 2026.
The prestigious ceremony took place at the Hall of Acts of the Ministry of Defence in Yaounde. Conferred on an exceptional basis via a presidential decree signed on March 3, 2026, the distinctions honored Lieutenant-Colonel Stéphane Cotte, Lieutenant-Colonel Stephan Lepouriel, and Senior Warrant Officer Fabrice Roussel at the conclusion of their official missions in Cameroon.
Over several years of service, these three officers made substantial contributions to strengthening the bilateral military cooperation between Cameroon and France. Through the targeted training of Cameroonian forces and the execution of joint military exercises, their strategic efforts directly enhanced the operational capabilities and professional skills of the local Defence Forces.
Minister Beti Assomo praised their expertise and dedication, specifically highlighting their impactful work in military engineering, the modernization of the National Fire Fighters Corps, and the promotion of professionalism within the non-commissioned officer ranks.
Conveying the formal congratulations of President Paul Biya, the Defence Minister described the decoration ceremony as a powerful symbol of enduring friendship and robust defense ties between the two nations. In response, the French Ambassador to Cameroon, His Excellency Thierry Marchand, expressed deep gratitude for the high recognition.
He characterized the medals as a clear testament to the profound depth of bilateral defense cooperation and the mutual respect shared between Cameroon and France.
This high-profile military decoration underscores the ongoing strategic alliance between Yaounde and Paris in addressing regional security and professionalizing defense institutions. By honoring the technical expertise and camaraderie of the departing French officers, Cameroon reaffirms its commitment to maintaining strong international defense partnerships.
The event highlights how cross-border military training and shared expertise continue to play a pivotal role in the modernization of Cameroon’s security infrastructure.
