13 soldiers who recently died in different operations in the war against Boko Haram received posthumous State honours on May 13, 2016 in Yaounde.

The atmosphere at the Yaounde Military Headquarters Brigade, Friday May 13, 2016, was gloomy as the nation mourned it heroes who have sacrificed their lives for the fatherland. The 13 soldiers died recently within the framework of the Multinational Joint Task Force of the Lake Chad Basin Commission, Operations “Alpha” and “Emergence 4” put in place to combat the Boko Haram terrorist sect.

Family members, friends and sympathizers of the deceased soldiers could not hold back their tears when the 13 caskets bearing the remains of the heroes draped in national colours were ushered into the courtyard of the Military Headquarters Brigade, in the presence of the Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Defence, Joseph Beti Assomo, some cabinet ministers and senior military officials, amongst others. Minister Joseph Beti Assomo on behalf of the President of the Republic posthumously decorated all the departed 13 soldiers with the medals of valour for their bravery and determination in defending the national integrity leading to their ultimate sacrifice for the fatherland. He also extended the compassion of the Head of State to the families.

In a touching eulogy, the Chief of Staff of the 4^th Military Region in Maroua, Colonel Kenmegne Leandre gave the circumstances that led to the demise of the 13 soldiers who fell in different locations and operations in the ongoing war against the terrorist group. “13 of our men fell on the battle field while fighting for the total eradication of Boko Haram. What an example for professionalism and patriotism as they fought with courage and determination for their fatherland.

Rest assured we will continue with the war from where you stopped until the complete eradication of the terrorist sect”, he told Captain Kom Bakar François, Lt. Frederick Njilie and others who all died in different circumstances at the battle ground. From the eulogy, some died following landmine explosions while others died of malaise.