A historic moment unfolded for the Beninese Armed Forces on June 3, 2025, with the elevation of Bertin Bada to the unprecedented rank of Air Corps General, marking a new chapter in the nation’s military history.
On Tuesday, June 3, at the Dessa military camp in Allada, General Bertin Bada officially received his four-star insignia from the Minister of National Defense, Dr. Alain Fortunet Nouatin. This ceremony formalized his promotion, making him Benin’s first-ever Air Corps General.
Appointed by the Council of Ministers on May 21, the newly promoted Air Corps General currently serves as the Director of the Military Cabinet of the President of the Republic, Patrice Talon. He previously held the rank of Air Corps Major General, and his new elevation signifies a rank never before awarded within the Beninese Armed Forces.
“This promotion goes beyond my own person. It honors the entire military institution and our values,” declared General Bada. He paid heartfelt tribute to all soldiers who serve the country, often unacknowledged, and to those who have sacrificed their lives to maintain Benin’s stability, specifically mentioning those involved in Operation Mirador to combat insecurity in the north of the country.
Minister Nouatin emphasized that this distinction recognizes both the personal merit of the high-ranking officer and the strategic evolution of the Beninese army. “This distinction is historic and symbolizes the evolution of our institution under the leadership of the Head of State. However, it also represents a major responsibility in a security context requiring a comprehensive strategy,” he stated.
With this significant elevation, General Bertin Bada imprints his name in the military annals of Benin and embodies a new ambition for the Beninese Armed Forces.
AC/Sf/fss/abj/APA