By Ikome Christie-noella Eposi in Buea
The Minister Delegate to the Presidency of the Republic in charge of defense, Joseph Beti Assomo has officially handed the command baton to Colonel Djotsa David to take charge of military operations in the Southwest region. The installation ceremony took place on Saturday May 12 2018 at the Independence Square in Buea
Colonel Djotsa takes over from Brigadier General Melingui Nouma Donatien who has spent ten months in Buea in the same capacity.
The appointment of Colonel Jotsa follows a presidential decree of Monday May 7 2018 which making him the commander of the 21st motorized infantry Brigade.
Colonel Jotsa was urged by Minister Beti Assomo to protect the population of the Southwest region especially at a time when the integrity of the region is threatened.
“You should protect and defend the integrity of the national territory against secessionist” Minister Beti Assomo instructed.
According to Colonel Didier Badjeck, head of the communication Division at the Ministry of Defense, the duty of the army is to respond to violence and establish peace. He enjoined all to see the need of a strong security force at crucial moments like this.
The ceremony saw the presence of the governor of the Southwest region, Bernard Okalia Bilai, Fako SDO, Engamba Emmanuel Ledoux, divisional officers, mayors and top military officials.
Colonel Jotsa David promised to improve on the successes of his predecessor, General Donatien Nouma.
Drawing from the Ministers remarks and putting it into action, Colonel Jotsi says he is grateful to the head of state for entrusting him with such an office, and in the Southwest region in particular which for quite a while now has been unstable due to disturbances from secessionist.
He expressed confidence that he is fully ready for the task that lies ahead of him and together with the collaboration of his team, security forces and the entire population, Peace, tranquility and calmness will return to the Southwest region.