The announcement of the death of General Camille Nkoa Atenga on March 10, 2026, in Yaoundé, has prompted a wave of tributes, including that of Shanda Tonme, a Cameroonian intellectual. Tonme hails Nkoa Atenga as a free, loyal, and dynamic spirit, a military intellectual who left his mark on his era.
Born on August 3, 1940, in Okala, Camille Nkoa Atenga completed his primary education at the Nlong Catholic Mission and his secondary education at Collège Vogt, then at Lycée Joss in Douala, where he obtained his baccalaureate in 1961. In the same year, he entered the École Militaire Interarmes (EMIA), class of "Réunification". His military career led him to be successively Section Leader, Company Commander, and Battalion Commander in Buea. In 1973, he was appointed Head of the Training Division at EMIA, before directing this prestigious academy from 1986 to 1993. He was promoted to Brigadier General on February 5, 1993, and Commander of the Second Military Region in Douala on February 26, 1993. On September 25, 2001, he was elevated to the rank of Divisional General.
Shanda Tonme remembers his meeting with General Nkoa Atenga as an unforgettable moment, during a morning at General Nganso Sunji Jean's residence. He describes an open man, passionate about military doctrines and employment strategies, a true teacher. Nkoa Atenga aspired to a Cameroonian army composed of officers capable of training elite units, regretting the lack of proactive didactics and appropriate logistics. For him, the army was above all an instrument of civic education, focused on loyalty to republican institutions.
Beyond his military career, Camille Nkoa Atenga was a man of letters, author of several books. His writings address various themes, ranging from defense strategy to reflection on peace in the world, as well as novels. Among his publications are: "Réflexion sur la stratégie de défense en Afrique" (1980), "L'Afrique face à la paix dans le monde" (1987), "L'Enfant de la révolte muette" (1999), and "Kamerouna".
Shanda Tonme salutes the memory of this accomplished soldier, a symbol of an era when men and women of value contributed to the construction of the Cameroonian nation. He sees in him an example of loyalty and fidelity to republican institutions, essential qualities for the cohesion of a people. General Nkoa Atenga leaves behind an important military and intellectual legacy, which will continue to inspire future generations.
Divisional General Camille Nkoa Atenga passed away at the age of 86 at the Yaoundé University Hospital Center. In July 2025, he had been admitted to the second section, a status reserved for general officers who had left active service but remained at the disposal of the nation. The funeral arrangements will be announced later.
Through his tribute, Shanda Tonme highlights General Nkoa Atenga's significant contribution to the Cameroonian army and thought. His exceptional career will remain etched in memory as a model of commitment and integrity.
