News detail

Bangui, 07 March 2025

The Central African Republic Armed Forces (FACA) has graduated 438 new soldiers, including 38 women, after successfully completing six months of rigorous military training. The training was conducted by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) in collaboration with FACA.

The graduation ceremony, held at Camp Kassaï military barracks in Bangui, was presided over by the Honourable Prime Minister Félix Moloua on behalf of H.E. Prof Faustin Archange Touadera, President of the Central African Republic. The event was attended by Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi, RDF Army Chief of Staff, Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, Defence Spokesperson, and Gen Zephlin Mamadou, Chief of General Staff of FACA.

Hon Moloua commended the ongoing military cooperation between RDF and FACA, highlighting its positive outcomes.

"We are pleased with the military cooperation that has helped reinforce FACA. Our government is satisfied with the work done. Today, we witnessed the Central African Republic Armed Forces demonstrating their capability to protect the nation and its people," said Hon Moloua.

Gen Zephlin Mamadou praised the training provided by the Rwanda Defence Force, describing it as crucial in enhancing FACA’s capacity to tackle security challenges.

During his speech, Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi emphasised that the intensive military training is a result of the initiative by the two Heads of State, aiming to produce professional soldiers equipped with the skills, techniques, and knowledge required to effectively defend the nation's territorial integrity in both peacetime and wartime. He pledged RDF’s continued support in building FACA’s capacity, not only through basic military training but also in various career development courses.

The graduates showcased some of the skills they acquired during the six-month training, including shooting different types of weapons.