DEPUTY DEFENCE SPOKESPERSON HOSTS RWANDAN YOUTH FROM ABROAD AT RDF HEADQUARTERS

The Deputy Defence Spokesperson, Lt Col Simon Kabera, today hosted a delegation of 42 young Rwandan students from the diaspora at the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Headquarters in Kimihurura.

The students, from Belgium, Canada, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, France, and Nigeria, are visiting Rwanda as part of the Youth Tour 2026. Their visit to the RDF Headquarters was aimed at enhancing their understanding of the RDF's role in safeguarding Rwanda's sovereignty, maintaining national security, and contributing to the country's socio-economic development.

During the visit, Lt Col Kabera delivered a presentation on the RDF's transformation journey, highlighting Rwanda's history and the events that culminated in the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He explained the role of the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA Inkotanyi) in stopping the genocide, rescuing innocent civilians, liberating the country, and laying the foundation for the peace, unity, and security that Rwanda enjoys today under the leadership of His Excellency President Paul Kagame, Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force, who commanded the RPA during the liberation struggle.

Lt Col Kabera emphasized that the success of the RPA Inkotanyi was anchored in strong ethics and core values, including patriotism, discipline, selflessness, hard work, resilience, integrity, and obedience to lawful orders.

He encouraged the students to remain proud of their Rwandan identity and to use the knowledge and skills they acquire abroad to contribute to Rwanda's continued development. He also urged them to remain vigilant against misinformation and false narratives circulating on social media and other platforms.

The students also interacted with RDF junior officers, including Capt Michael Nsengiyumva, who holds  masters in business administration (MBA) Organization Development, Capt Meron Rugazora, Pilot, and Capt Arielle Sekamana, who holds a master in Electronics and Communication Engineering. The officers shared their personal experiences in military service and encouraged the participants to consider returning home after completing their studies to contribute to national development. They noted that the RDF provides young professionals with an opportunity to serve their country while applying the knowledge and expertise they have acquired abroad.

Lt Col Kabera thanked the delegation for visiting the RDF Headquarters and encouraged them to remain disciplined, patriotic, and committed to serving Rwanda in whatever capacities they choose.