Before a gathering of high-ranking authorities, moved parents and relatives, the 895 recruits from the 2024 and 2025 classes of the Water, Forests and Hunting corps, as well as the 2025 class of the Republican Police, were presented to the national flag.

This landmark event marks the official end of their common basic training and seals their sacred commitment to serving republican security and protecting the nation’s environmental heritage.

Presided over by the ministers in charge of Interior and Public Security and National Defence, the celebration mobilised the country’s top security hierarchy, with the notable presence of the Chief of General Staff of the Beninese Armed Forces and the Director General of the Republican Police.

In his welcoming address, the centre commander, Lieutenant-Colonel Armand Assogbaga, highlighted the highly symbolic significance of this ritual, which marks the definitive break with civilian life. He reminded the new agents that presentation to the flag is not mere formality, but demands iron discipline, unwavering courage and absolute loyalty to the homeland.

The highlight of the day remained the official presentation of the national flag, a solemn act that marks the official entry of these young men and women into the great family of defence and security forces. This powerful moment was immediately followed by the ritual awarding of the fourragère. This military attribute rewards months of intense physical and tactical efforts, materialising their new status as guardians of the law and shields against current environmental and security threats.