RDF CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF HOSTS STUDENTS FROM ZAMBIA DEFENCE SERVICES COMMAND AND STAFF COLLEGE

Kigali, 30 September 2025

The Chief of Defence Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Gen MK Mubarakh, today hosted a delegation of 27 faculty and student officers from the Zambia Defence Services Command and Staff College at RDF Headquarters in Kimihurura. The delegation, led by Col Elias Zulu, is in Rwanda for a study tour from 28 September to 4 October 2025. The visit aims to get insight of Rwanda’s transformation journey and its critical role in promoting peace and security in the region and beyond.

The Defence Spokesperson, Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, briefed the delegation on the RDF’s transformation and its contribution to continental security.

In his remarks, Gen Mubarakh expressed appreciation to the Zambia Defence Forces and the Zambia Defence Services Command and Staff College for selecting Rwanda as a destination for this important phase of professional military education. He stated that the visit reflects the strong and enduring bonds of friendship and military cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the area of capacity building.

“Rwanda today stands as a nation transformed,” said Gen Mubarakh. “Thirty years after the Genocide against the Tutsi, we have moved from being a recipient of international peacekeeping support to a contributor to peace and security across the continent and beyond. Rwanda is now a peaceful, stable, and forward-looking country committed to long-term socio-economic development, despite complex regional security challenges.”

Col Elias Zulu, Head of delegation, expressed gratitude to the RDF for facilitating the visit. He noted that the delegation gained a deeper understanding of RDF’s contribution to Rwanda’s socio-economic transformation, which aligns with the objectives of their study tour. He highlighted the profound impact of visiting the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where the delegation gained valuable insights into Rwanda’s history, the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi, and the country’s remarkable journey of recovery and resilience.

As part of the tour, the delegation also visited the Campaign against Genocide Museum and will continue their programme with visits to various government institutions and defence agencies.