This year’s edition brought together 123 elite tactical units from 87 countries. Representing the African continent were five nations: Cameroon, South Africa, Rwanda, Kenya, and Ethiopia.

Cameroon was represented by the National Gendarmerie’s elite Multipurpose Intervention Regiment (GPIGN), a specialized unit renowned for its expertise in complex and high-risk operations. The delegation was led by Captain EBANDA Jean Joel, Head of Mission, and consisted of seven carefully selected operators chosen for their experience, tactical cohesion, and physical endurance.

The Cameroonian team competed in five major events, each based on realistic operational scenarios: tactical assault, hostage rescue operations, officer rescue missions, tower-crossing safety challenges, and an operational obstacle course.

For GPIGN—a force regularly deployed in sensitive intervention zones across Cameroon, including operations against organized crime, counter-terrorism efforts, and the protection of strategic infrastructure—this marked its first appearance on the global SWAT stage. The unit approached the challenge with determination and a strong competitive spirit, delivering a commendable performance that underscored the rigor, professionalism, and operational effectiveness of Cameroon’s “men in black” in complex tactical environments.

Beyond the technical and athletic demands of the competition, this participation served as a powerful showcase of Cameroon’s security expertise and offered a unique platform for exchange and collaboration with some of the world’s most distinguished special units.