N’Djamena, 4 June 2026 – Against a backdrop rich with meaning, the Groupement des Écoles Militaires Interarmées (GEMIA) hosted a dual ceremony today, marking both the induction of its sixth cohort of Enfants de Troupe and the presentation of academic and athletic awards.

The event drew a high-profile audience, including General of Division Hisseine Abderamane Haggar, the second Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces, Yangmmargue Beh Félix, foreign defense attachés, local officials, parents, and alumni of the program.

In his address, the GEMIA commander highlighted the remarkable growth and resilience of the new cohort, composed of 76 cadets who entered training on 6 October 2025. Through a demanding initiation period—the “bahutage”—these young recruits forged bonds of brotherhood, camaraderie, and solidarity, shedding their status as newcomers to become full-fledged Enfants de Troupe.

“Today, they are no longer the ‘Blues’,” the general declared. “They are now proud members of this noble tradition.”

He emphasized the vision of President and Commander-in-Chief Marshal Mahamat Idriss Déby Itno: “The future of Chad is built in its schools.” This guiding principle aligns with the school’s own motto: “Learn to build better,” rooted in values of honor, discipline, and excellence.

The ceremony also honored top performers across academic, leadership, and athletic categories. The general commended the winners and urged them to sustain their commitment to excellence.

In closing, the GEMIA commander called on partners and the Alumni Association of Former Enfants de Troupe to help elevate the institution into a national benchmark for military education. He extended warm holiday wishes to all staff and cadets, expressing gratitude to parents for their vital role in shaping the nation’s future leaders.