Chad GEMIA honors new generation of military school graduates

The Groupement des Écoles Militaires Interarmées (GEMIA) in N’Djamena recently hosted a momentous event celebrating the graduation of its sixth cohort of Enfants de Troupe, alongside an awards ceremony recognizing academic and leadership excellence.

High-ranking military and civilian officials, including General de Division Hisseine Abderamane Haggar and the Second Chief of General Staff Yangmmargue Beh Félix, attended the solemn ceremony. Among the distinguished guests were generals, officers, defense attachés from allied nations, the Mayor of N’Djamena, the Sultan of the 1st arrondissement, parents of the cadets, and alumni of the program.

From raw recruits to disciplined leaders

The 76 cadets who joined GEMIA on October 6, 2025, underwent rigorous training designed to instill resilience, camaraderie, and solidarity. This transformative journey stripped away their initial identity as “Bleus” (rookies), replacing it with the honor of becoming full-fledged Enfants de Troupe, as emphasized by the commanding officer.

The event underscored the institution’s core mission: nurturing the next generation of disciplined, skilled leaders. Reflecting the vision of President Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno, who has repeatedly stressed that “Chad’s future is built in its schools,” the GEMIA reaffirmed its commitment to excellence through the motto “Learn to build better.”

Honor, discipline, and commitment remain the guiding principles of this elite program, shaping young minds into pillars of the nation’s future.

Excellence celebrated, future ambitions outlined

During the ceremony, top performers were honored for their outstanding achievements. The school’s top graduate, most exemplary cadets, class leaders, and standout athletes received recognition for their dedication and hard work. The commanding officer praised their accomplishments and urged them to sustain their momentum.

In a forward-looking address, the GEMIA leadership called on partners and the Association of Former Enfants de Troupe to elevate the institution into a model of military education. The event concluded with warm wishes for the upcoming school break, gratitude extended to the parents for their unwavering support, and recognition of the cadets’ families as essential contributors to nurturing the nation’s future leaders.