Bèmbèrèkè witnessed a historic ceremony as 895 recruits from the 2024–2025 Corps des Eaux, Forêts et Chasse and the 2025 Police républicaine officially joined the ranks of Benin’s security forces.
A solemn gathering unfolded at the military training center, where families, officials, and top brass gathered to honor the recruits’ transition from civilian life to service. The event capped years of rigorous training, symbolizing commitment to national security and environmental stewardship.
From training to service: a commitment etched in ceremony
The recruits stood at attention as the national flag was raised, a powerful moment marking their induction into the ranks of the Forces de défense et de sécurité. The ceremony, presided over by senior officials from the Interior, Public Security, and Defense ministries, underscored the gravity of their new roles in safeguarding Benin’s sovereignty and natural heritage.
Lieutenant-Colonel Armand Assogbaga, commanding officer of the training center, delivered a stirring address, emphasizing that the oath taken was not a mere formality but a lifelong pledge of discipline, courage, and unwavering loyalty to the nation. He urged the recruits to uphold the highest standards as they confront evolving threats to security and the environment.
A dual mission: security and sustainability
This year’s intake includes officers trained in both law enforcement and environmental protection, reflecting Benin’s integrated approach to national safety. The recruits will now serve as frontline defenders against transnational crime and guardians of the country’s precious ecosystems, from dense forests to fragile wetlands.
Their graduation was marked by the presentation of fourragères, symbols of honor earned through months of relentless physical, tactical, and ethical training. Each award represented not just individual achievement, but the collective strength of a new generation of Beninese defenders.
Nation united in pride and purpose
The ceremony drew the highest echelons of Benin’s security apparatus, including the Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces and the Director-General of the Republican Police. Their presence highlighted the critical role these recruits will play in sustaining stability and ecological resilience across the country.
As the recruits marched in unison, their fresh faces a testament to Benin’s investment in human capital, the nation watched with pride. This ceremony was more than a rite of passage—it was a declaration of resilience, unity, and an unshakable commitment to a safer, greener future for all.
