On November 10, 2026, a total of 1401 new gendarmerie recruits, including 86 girls, were presented with the national flag at the Abidjan Gendarmerie School in Côte d'Ivoire. The ceremony was presided over by General Alexandre Apalo Touré, the Superior Commander of the National Gendarmerie. The recruits, who are part of the 2026-2028 promotion, will undergo training to become gendarmerie non-commissioned officers.
During the ceremony, General Touré emphasized the importance of discipline and respect for institutions. He reminded the young recruits that as gendarmes, they have a special contract with the nation and are expected to uphold the highest standards of behavior. The General also warned against the use of illicit substances, citing cases of recruits being dismissed during medical check-ups for consumption of such substances.
General Touré highlighted the significance of the national flag, explaining the meaning of its colors: orange, white, and green. He explained that orange represents the savannah in the north and progress, white symbolizes unity and peace, and green represents the forest in the south, hope, and a better future for Côte d'Ivoire. He also reminded the recruits that their motto, "Pro patria, Pro lege" or "For the country, for the law," demands unwavering loyalty to the nation and respect for its laws.
The Superior Commander of the National Gendarmerie also emphasized that the gendarmerie is a republican force and its members are people of arms. He noted that the gendarmerie's historical reputation as an elite corps is based on its commitment to upholding the law and protecting the nation. General Touré encouraged the recruits to remain committed to the institution's principles and to avoid behavior that could lead to dismissal.
After the flag presentation ceremony, the recruits are now eligible to salute the national colors and join the larger gendarmerie family. General Touré urged them to honor their country, protect it, and defend it at all times, even if it means making the ultimate sacrifice. He expressed confidence that if they remain steadfast and committed to the institution's values, they will complete their training and take their oath with pride.
The ceremony was also attended by General Alain Kinanya Camara, the school's commander, who reviewed the troops before the flag presentation. The new recruits will undergo training to become gendarmerie non-commissioned officers, with the goal of serving the nation and upholding the law. The gendarmerie's emphasis on discipline and loyalty reflects its commitment to maintaining law and order in Côte d'Ivoire.
The presentation of the national flag to the new recruits marks an important milestone in their training and commitment to serving Côte d'Ivoire. With 86 girls among the 1401 recruits, the gendarmerie is taking steps to increase its female representation and promote diversity within its ranks. The institution's focus on discipline, loyalty, and service to the nation will guide the recruits as they begin their training and embark on their careers as gendarmerie non-commissioned officers.
Key points
- Côte d'Ivoire welcomes 1401 new gendarmerie recruits, including 86 girls, in a ceremony presided over by General Alexandre Apalo Touré.
