From 17 to 19 May 2026, and in keeping with established tradition, the SED/CACVG took an active part in the Defence and Security Forces Open Days held at Air Base 101 in Yaoundé. The event formed part of efforts to strengthen the bond between the Armed Forces and the Nation ahead of the celebrations marking the 54th National Unity Day.

This year, moreover, the Secretariat of State for Defence in charge of Ex-servicemen and War Victims (SED/CACVG) made a strong impression with a prominent exhibition stand. Combining the national colours with the institution’s visual identity, the stand’s design consequently enhanced both its visibility and appeal.

Compared with the previous edition, three major innovations distinguished the 2026 Open Days, namely the participation of partner organisations, the promotion of locally sourced materials, and the integration of technological innovations.

From Memory to Career Transition, through Reintegration and Assistance, every aspect of the exhibition was designed not only to honour the memory of the Nation’s heroes, but also to recognise their service to the country and, ultimately, to help build the future through inspiring personal journeys.

In the area dedicated to memory and remembrance, a memorial display featuring a chapel of rest and portraits of soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in defence of the Fatherland, all set against a red-carpet backdrop, thus forged a powerful emotional connection between visitors and Cameroon’s military history.

As a result, visitors paid their respects with reverence, bowing before the memory of these national heroes.

As part of the commemorative activities, retired Colonel Blaise ETOUNDI, one of the Army’s living legends, graciously agreed to share with younger generations and members of the public some recollections from his long and distinguished military career, thereby reflecting his exemplary service and unwavering commitment.

With regard to reconversion, the SED/CACVG also introduced the general public to the strategic partners supporting the implementation of its professional resettlement and assistance programme for Ex-servicemen and War Victims.

These included, in particular, the Obala Agricultural Institute, the National Employment Fund and the Cameroon Red Cross, which showcased their training opportunities and socio-economic integration programmes, in line with the SED/CACVG’s statutory mandate.

At the institutional level, in addition, a range of visual communication materials was deployed to capture visitors’ attention while showcasing the mandate, organisational structure and key achievements of SED/CACVG.

Visitors were particularly impressed by the diverse expertise and entrepreneurial success of ex-servicemen across a range of sectors.

Furthermore, several outstanding examples of successful career transition were highlighted during the event.

Among them was retired Colonel Brigitte BIWOLE, a recognised authority in the cultivation and processing of rain-fed rice. This year, she showcased an innovative approach to adding value to rice straw through the production of stabilised earth bricks, which, in turn, offer excellent thermal insulation and structural strength.

Retired Colonel Guillaume CHEDJOU TANKAM also attracted considerable public interest with the exhibition of an electric motorcycle.

In this regard, this innovative technology provides a practical response to contemporary challenges relating to urban mobility and the energy transition.

Meanwhile, Captain Joseph BY presented his workshop specialising in the manufacture of uniforms for the Defence and Security Forces. The quality of his products accordingly drew significant attention and admiration from visitors, making the stand one of the event’s key attractions.

It is important to note that the decision to spotlight these successful career-transition pathways was intended to demonstrate, through tangible examples, that military service can serve as a springboard to productive civilian pursuits, drawing on the core values of discipline, leadership and patriotism.

In a similar vein, the stand of the National Office for Veterans, Former Servicemen and War Victims (ONACAM) also showcased the ingenuity and skills of military widows and orphans in areas such as cosmetics, painting and the manufacture of cleaning products.

Additionally, it would be remiss not to mention the heightened activity and enthusiasm witnessed at the SED/CACVG stand on 19 May.

This can be attributed to two major highlights.

Firstly, there was the highly noteworthy visit of Mr Joseph BETI ASSOMO, Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, who was accompanied by a large delegation and warmly received by Mr KOUMPA ISSA, Secretary of State to the Minister of Defence, in charge of Ex-servicemen and War Victims.

Secondly, the lively programme of activities that followed further boosted engagement. Through interactive question-and-answer sessions, quizzes and dance competitions aimed at young people, the public consequently gained a better understanding of the SED/CACVG’s mandate, activities and achievements.

Ultimately, with its objectives largely achieved, the event concluded on a positive note, with participants already looking ahead to the next edition and the new opportunities it will bring. /-