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The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) has welcomed a new cohort of young men and women into its ranks following the successful completion of six months of intensive basic military training at the Basic Military Training Centre (BMTC) Nasho in Kirehe District.

The pass-out ceremony was presided over by the Chief of Defence Staff of the Rwanda Defence Force, General MK Mubarakh, and attended by RDF generals, senior and junior officers, as well as other ranks.

During the ceremony, the newly trained soldiers demonstrated the knowledge and skills they had acquired throughout their training, including marksmanship and a range of tactical drills, highlighting their readiness to undertake operational duties.

In his remarks, General MK Mubarakh congratulated the recruits on their resilience, commitment, and determination throughout the demanding training programme. He welcomed them into the RDF family and urged them to apply the knowledge and skills they had gained in safeguarding Rwanda’s sovereignty and protecting its citizens.

Gen MK Mubarakh also reiterated the guidance delivered by His Excellency the President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force to young people participating in the Indangamirwa Programme at the Gabiro Military Training Centre in Gatsibo District.

He encouraged the recruits to uphold the Kinyarwanda language, Rwandan culture, traditions, principles, and values, while remaining vigilant and prepared to confront any threats to the nation’s security. He further urged them to reject complacency, divisionism, and rhetoric that promotes such tendencies, as well as negative behaviours, including excessive alcohol consumption and immoral conduct.

Gen Mubarak reminded the new soldiers that the training they had completed marked only the beginning of their military careers, emphasising that their professional development would continue through further training to enhance their knowledge and skills in line with the evolving requirements of the RDF.

He challenged them to put their training into practice, uphold the RDF’s vision and mission, and contribute to building a professional, capable, and disciplined force. He particularly underscored the importance of discipline and adherence to the RDF’s core values as they integrate into their respective units and serve alongside their fellow soldiers.

The Chief of Defence Staff also commended the leadership of BMTC Nasho, particularly the instructors, for their unwavering dedication to developing the recruits’ knowledge, skills, and leadership qualities, thereby preparing them to make an effective contribution to the defence of the country.