NAMIBIA COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE STUDENTS CONDUCT STUDY TOUR IN RWANDA

A delegation of 30 senior officers and faculty members from the Namibia Command and Staff College, led by Commandant Brig Gen Erastus Benhard Nathinge, is conducting a one-week study tour in Rwanda. The visit aims to strengthen professional military cooperation and offer insights into Rwanda’s transformation in defence, security, governance, and post-conflict recovery.

Today, the delegation visited the Ministry of Defence and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Headquarters. They received a briefing on the evolution and transformation of the RDF, led by Brig Gen Patrick Karuretwa, Director General of International Military Cooperation and Defence Spokesperson, accompanied by Brig Gen Louis Kanobayire, who leads RDF's Education, Training, and Doctrine.

The session highlighted the RDF’s evolution from a liberation movement into a modern, professional military institution dedicated to national development, regional peace, and international security.

Brig Gen Karuretwa emphasized the strong Defence ties between Rwanda and Namibia, noting that the study tour offers a valuable platform to exchange best practices, particularly in military education and training.

Echoing these sentiments, Brig Gen Nathinge underscored the purpose of the visit and highlighted the strong bilateral relationship between both nations, referencing President Paul Kagame’s 2019 state visit to Namibia. He added that both Defence forces actively collaborate on military training and operational interoperability, especially within international peacekeeping missions.

As part of their itinerary, the delegation visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial to pay respect to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, followed by a tour of the Campaign against Genocide Museum.

Their remaining tour will include stops at the RDF Command and Staff College, military welfare agencies such as Zigama CSS, Military Medical Insurance and several government institutions.