Bénin: farewell honors for retiring air force general Bertin Bada
After 43 years of dedicated service, General Bertin Bada has formally retired from the Beninese Armed Forces, marking the end of an era that spanned over four decades of military leadership.
Ceremony in Cotonou honors a distinguished career
A solemn military ceremony was held on June 30, 2026 at the Cotonou Air Base to commemorate General Bada’s retirement. The event featured full military honors, including a flag salute and troop review, celebrating his decades-long service and leadership.
Key figures gather to honor a military leader
Among the attendees were General Fructueux Gbaguidi, Chief of Staff of the Beninese Armed Forces, and Gildas Agonkan, Minister Delegate for National Defense. Both praised Bada’s career, highlighting his discipline and unwavering commitment to duty.
From five-star general to presidential advisor
Promoted to the rank of five-star general on February 9, 2026, Bertin Bada had previously served as an advisor to the President on defense and security matters under Romuald Wadagni. He also held the position of military cabinet director for President Patrice Talon during his tenure.
A career marked by resilience and tragedy
Now 63, General Bada concludes his military career after a period of intense national significance. His final years in service were particularly challenging, including the December 7, 2025 coup attempt, during which he tragically lost his wife. His retirement marks not only the end of a distinguished career but also the beginning of a new chapter in his life.
