Musanze, 16 June 2025

One hundred and eight (108) senior officers from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Rwanda National Police, Rwanda Correctional Service and allied armed forces from 19 African countries and one from Jordan graduated today from the one-year Senior Command and Staff Course, Intake 13. The graduation ceremony was presided over by the Right Honourable Prime Minister of the Republic of Rwanda, Dr Edouard Ngirente, on behalf of the President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force, H.E. Paul Kagame.

Also in attendance were the Minister of Defence, Honourable Juvenal Marizamunda; Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Honourable Ines Mpambara; Minister of Internal Security, Honourable Dr Vincent Biruta; Minister of Local Government, Honourable Dr Patrice Mugenzi; Minister of Education, Honourable Joseph Nsengimana; Minister of ICT and Innovation, Honourable Paula Ingabire; RDF Chief of Defence Staff, General M.K. Mubarakh; Service chiefs; the heads of the Rwanda National Police and Rwanda Correctional Service; representatives of other security organs; as well as officials from the University of Rwanda and local government.

In his remarks, the Rt Hon Prime Minister, Dr Edouard Ngirente, underscored the pivotal role the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College plays in preparing leaders to navigate today’s complex security environment.

“It is more than an institution; it is the foundation upon which we build the future of our defence forces. Through this programme, our senior officers have acquired not only tactical expertise but also strategic insight; ensuring they are well prepared to operate effectively in an evolving and challenging security landscape. Today, the world presents emerging threats, including cyber warfare, asymmetric conflicts, misinformation, and global health crises. These challenges require leaders who think critically, adapt swiftly, and act decisively with integrity. Developing such leadership is at the heart of this training. In this regard, the Government of Rwanda continues to invest in resources, enhance infrastructure, and foster technological advancement to support this College,” said PM Ngirente.

He also expressed gratitude to the nations of the graduating officers, noting that their presence at this internationally recognised college reflects the value of cooperation and collaboration in strengthening defence capacities.

The Commandant of the RDF Command and Staff College, Brigadier General Andrew Nyamvumba, reiterated the college’s commitment to delivering high-quality and adaptive education and training that meet the demands of today’s dynamic security environment.

Colonel Dr Dan Gatsinzi of the RDF was recognised as the overall best-performing student.

Among the graduands, 70 were awarded a Master of Arts in Security Studies by the University of Rwanda.

Participating countries in this year’s intake included: Rwanda, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Jordan, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.