The solemn reception ceremony was presided over by the Secretary of State to the Minister of Defence in charge of the National Gendarmerie, Galax Etoga Yves Landry, representing the Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Beti Assomo Joseph. Family members, colleagues and friends gathered to pay their respects to the senior officer, who passed away on July 14, 2026 following a brief illness in India.

With full military honours, the flag-draped casket was received by a bearer party made up of cadet officers from the Combined Services Military Academy (EMIA). Following the presentation of arms by the guard of honour, the casket was placed in the airport ceremonial hall as grieving relatives and mourners paid their final respects.

During the memorial service, the officiating minister reflected on the life and service of the late General, drawing a parallel with Abner, the commander of Israel’s army, and quoting 2 Samuel 3:38: “Do you not realise that a commander and a great man has fallen in Israel today?” The message paid tribute to the remarkable legacy of Brigadier General EZO’O MVONDO Simon.

Before his appointment as Commander of the First Joint Military Region, Brigadier General EZO’O MVONDO Simon notably served as Commander of the 11th Motorised Infantry Brigade. His remains have been transferred to the Yaounde General Hospital Mortuary pending the official funeral programme.