Cameroon’s Minister of Defence, Joseph Beti Assomo, publicly denounced a group of soldiers seen in a viral video pledging allegiance to the Sultan of Bamoum, Nabil Mbombo Njoya.
The condemnation came through a stern communiqué signed on Friday, December 29, 2023, expressing the Minister’s dissatisfaction with the soldiers’ actions.
The controversial video, which surfaced on December 23, 2023, showcased the soldiers paying respects to the traditional authority, each taking turns to solemnly declare their allegiance.
Minister Beti Assomo, in his communique, described the soldiers’ fiery and committed speeches during the ceremony as causing “amazement and indignation across the country.”
“It exposes its authors to sanctions provided for by the regulations in force. The appropriate procedures to do this have already been initiated,” Beti Assomo noted.
He ordered military authorities at all command levels to instruct their personnel on military politeness and take immediate and vigorous measures when deviations or distrust were observed.
Citing Article 63 of the Decree, Beti Assomo emphasised that military honours are reserved for specific conditions, allowing the Forces of Defence to pay a special tribute to individuals and symbols legally empowered.
He reiterated that only specific authorities, including the Minister of Defence, the Secretary of State to the Minister of Defence, and the Head of State, are entitled to Special Military Honours.
The minister’s strong stance reflects the government’s commitment to maintaining discipline within the armed forces and safeguarding the nation’s unity.
