This is the story of a friendship between two cadets. One is Togolese, the other French. They met on the benches of the prestigious French military school of Saint-Cyr and became inseparable. Both passionate about the other’s country, they want to strengthen military cooperation between Togo and France.
2 min
“ From our first days at Saint-Cyr, we immediately became friends with Essomendan “, recalls Second Lieutenant Hugues as he heads towards a tent. Next to him, Togolese Essomendan is dressed in the same blue and red uniform. They are in the middle of rehearsals for the July 14 parade at the Satory military camp in the Paris region. The event marks the end of their studies at the prestigious French military school.
An exchange in Togo
When he arrived at Saint-Cyr three years ago, Essomendan discovered the customs and traditions of France and became attached to the country. Over the years, his friendship with Hugues grew stronger. The French cadet was drawn to the Middle East. But when he learned that the academy was offering an exchange with several African countries as part of a new partnership, he didn’t hesitate for a second: ” I didn’t think about it. It was natural, I chose the country of Essomendan, Togo. “.
He leaves for three months with his Togolese friend, who becomes his guide in this sub-Saharan African country about which he knows nothing. It is with a big smile that Essomendan recalls this trip home: “ We went out together, we went to see my family together, we worked together. We were never apart. “.
Continue to improve military cooperation between the two countries
Struck by the welcome from the Togolese, Second Lieutenant Hugues fell in love with the country and had only one idea in mind: to return there. I would like to continue to improve Franco-Togolese military cooperation so that the country can effectively combat terrorism north of its borders, for example by becoming a defense attaché. »
Second Lieutenant Essomendan nods. We have areas of operation that are likely to be the same. If tomorrow I meet Second Lieutenant Hugues in a theatre of operations, it will be much easier to cooperate with him. »
So they want to preserve this bond that they formed on the school benches, “ to make it live through the ages “For this, they have a motto that they like to say everywhere they go. Togo and France, together, hand in hand! “, the two friends proudly exclaim.