The 12th Cameroonian Battalion to MINUSCA commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Noumedem Donfack Francis is made up of 1070 peacekeepers, comprising 750 men of infantry, 320 gendarmes forming the Formed Police Unit (EPU) 1 and 2.
The event was held at the esplanade of the Motcheboum Peacekeeping Operations Training School (EFOMP) located in Doume Subdivision, Upper-Nyong Division of the East Region. The ceremony included the symbolic handing over of the flag to the Commander of the Cameroon Battalion, Lt Col. Noumedem Donfack Francis who expressed optimism regarding the morale of his troops. He conveyed confidence that they would return with positive reports by adhering strictly to the mission’s standards.
Adressing the deployed soldiers, Beti Assomo Joseph reminded the 12th contingent to keep the Flag of Cameroon flying high by their assiduity, integrity and professionalism just like their predecessors whom they are going to replace on the field. He also urged them to reject all forms of dishonour, favouritism, sexual exploitation, abuse, and any deviant behavior. The Defence Boss did not go by without emphasizing on the importance of maintaining a zero-tolerance policy in the host country throughout their mission, encourage professionalism, unity, and dedication to their tasks to enhance Cameroon’s already positive international reputation. Furthermore, he highlighted the critical need for the responsible use of mission equipment, noting that its condition post-mission would influence the financial reimbursement to the Cameroonian government from the United Nations.
The specificity of the 2025 deployment, is that, on July 2023 the United Nations instituted a new statement of unit requirement. This statement instructs that, contingents should form platoons of 20 men capable of speaking the local language (Sango) and the UN administrative language which is English. This platoon is charge with the responsibility of being at the forefront when it comes to exchange with the locals be it through escort, dialogue, civil-military actions and other needs. It should be recalled that the 12th Contingent undergone three months of intellectual and physical training which enable them to stay with conviction that he/ she is a blue helmet.
