A solemn ceremony took place on Tuesday, June 30, 2026, at the Cotonou Air Base to mark the occasion. Military honors, a flag salute, and a troop review highlighted the farewell of the highest-ranking officer in the army.

The event was attended by the Chief of General Staff of the Bénin Armed Forces, General Fructueux Gbaguidi, and the Minister Delegate for National Defence, Gildas Agonkan. Both praised a career defined by discipline and commitment.

Promoted to the rank of five-star general on February 9, 2026, Bertin Bada was subsequently appointed as defence and security adviser to President Romuald Wadagni. He also served as head of the military cabinet under former President Patrice Talon.

At 63 years old, General Bada leaves the military institution after a rich career, also marked by a personal tragedy during the attempted coup of December 7, 2025, in which he lost his wife.