Cameroon begins installation of female military commanders appointed by President Biya

Colonel Bella Nkotto Anne, first ever female commander to be appointed by the Biya regime was installed on Tuesday, March 17 as head of the gendarmerie legion of Ebolowa, capital of the South Region of Cameroon. The installation ritual was conducted by Edgard Alain Mebe Ngo'o, the Minister at the Presidency of the Republic in charge of Defence.

Minister Mebe Ngo’o observed that the decision to appoint Colonel Bella Nkotto is in continuation of the policy of greater empowerment of women as propounded by the Cameroonian dictator President Biya. In his presidential decree of 28 February, Paul Biya named several other women in senior positions in the Cameroonian army including Colonel Pauline Ngaska, Colonels Philomène Nga Owona and Marguerite Mfegue.