General Bertin Bada retires from the Bénin military after four decades of service

After 43 years of dedicated service, Air Force General Bertin Bada has officially stepped down from his position within the Bénin military.

Prominent figures mentioned

• Gildas Habib Bignon Agonkan
• Romuald Wadagni
• Patrice Talon

A formal ceremony was organized this Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at the Cotonou Air Base to mark the occasion. The event was characterized by full military honors, a salute to the flag, and a review of the troops, serving as a final farewell for the nation’s highest-ranking officer.

The proceedings took place in the presence of General Fructueux Gbaguidi, Chief of General Staff of the Bénin Armed Forces, and Gildas Agonkan, the Minister Delegate in charge of National Defense. Both leaders paid tribute to a career defined by strict professionalism and commitment.

Promoted to the rank of five-star general on February 9, 2026, Bertin Bada subsequently took on the role of defense and security advisor to President Romuald Wadagni. He had previously served as the head of the military cabinet for former President Patrice Talon.

Now 63 years old, General Bada leaves the military institution after an extensive career. His journey was also marked by personal tragedy during the attempted coup on December 7, 2025, an event in which his wife lost her life.