Rwanda has hosted the graduation of 108 senior officers who successfully completed the one-year Senior Command and Staff Course at the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Command and Staff College in Nyakinama, Musanze District. The graduates included members of the RDF, Rwanda National Police, as well as officers from 19 African countries and Jordan.
Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente, representing President Paul Kagame the Commander-in-Chief of the RDF presided over the graduation ceremony for Intake 13. Speaking at the event, Dr. Ngirente highlighted the college’s vital role in preparing military leaders to tackle today’s complex and fast-changing security challenges.
“This college is more than just an institution; it is the foundation upon which the future of our defense forces is built. Through this training, our senior officers have acquired both tactical and strategic skills that will help them navigate an increasingly complex security landscape,” Dr. Ngirente noted.
He emphasized the need for leaders to think critically, adapt swiftly, and act with integrity in addressing emerging threats, such as cyberwarfare, misinformation, and global health crises. He assured that the government remains committed to supporting the college through continued investment in its infrastructure, resources, and technological advancement.
Brig. Gen. Andrew Nyamvumba, the Commandant of the RDF Command and Staff College, reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to delivering high-quality and adaptable training tailored to modern security demands.
Among the graduates, 70 officers were awarded a Master of Arts in Security Studies from the University of Rwanda. RDF’s Colonel Dr. Dan Gatsinzi emerged as the best-performing student.
The graduating officers represented 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.
