A one-year Senior Command and Staff Course has resulted in the graduation of 108 senior officers from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Rwanda National Police, and armed forces from 19 African nations and Jordan from the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College.
On behalf of President Paul Kagame, the Commander-in-Chief of the RDF, Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente officiated over the Intake 13 graduation ceremony, which took place at the institution in Nyakinama, Musanze District.
Dr. Ngirente, who spoke at the ceremony, stated that the college is essential in equipping military officers to handle the intricate and rapidly evolving security issues of today.
“It is more than just an organization; it serves as the cornerstone around which our defense forces’ future is constructed. Our senior officers have gained both tactical and strategic knowledge through this training, which has equipped them to function well in a changing and difficult security environment,” the prime minister stated”.
He went on to say that leaders must be able to think critically, adjust fast, and lead with integrity in the face of emerging challenges like cyberwarfare, disinformation, and global health emergencies.
“The main goal of this training is to develop such leadership,” Dr. Ngirente stated, stressing that the Rwandan government will keep funding the college’s resources, enhancing its facilities, and fostering technological innovation.
The RDF Command and Staff College’s commandant, Brig. Gen. Andrew Nyamvumba, stated that the institution is still dedicated to providing flexible, high-quality training that satisfies the requirements of contemporary security settings.
Seventy officers received a Master of Arts in Security Studies from the University of Rwanda as part of the graduates. The RDF’s Colonel Dr. Dan Gatsinzi was named the student with the highest overall performance.
Rwanda, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Jordan, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia were among the countries represented among this year’s graduates.