The National Gendarmerie has been urged to shun immobility, show proof of determination, re-double efforts towards efficiency, discipline and loyalty to State institutions as more security threats emerge.

Presiding over the ceremonial hoisting of the flag in Yaounde yesterday February 26, 2013, the Secretary of State in charge of the Gendarmerie, Jean Baptiste Bokam told the top brass of the gendarmerie and some heads of central services that with a good personnel, commitment of commanders at all levels as well as the improvement of the operational capacity granted by the Head of State, their performance in the fight against insecurity, could be assured.

Amongst daily challenges faced by the corps, Jean Baptiste Bokam cited rising delinquency, theft of all kind, burglaries in big cities, highway robbery accompanied by kidnapping and ransom demands, maritime piracy, cybercrime, trans-border crime, activities of terrorist groups and religious fanaticism. "We must therefore be prepared, using normative and material means as well as acquire equipment to face these threats," he said. He cautioned the staff that there will be "zero tolerance" of indiscipline, deviant behaviour, lack of integrity as well as fraudulent collusions at all levels. He also demanded more emphasis on training, research and intelligence gathering as well as the good application of the principle of proximity in the strengthening of the presence of officers on the field.

While lauding the positive impact obtained from repressive road safety programmes, Jean Baptiste Bokam promised mutual health insurance and house construction schemes, amongst others, to improve on the living and working standards of staff.

The flag-hoisting ceremony that usually holds on the last Tuesday of every month is a tradition in gendarmerie camps. It was boosted this month with the special message for 2013 by the Gendarmerie boss.