Musanze, 24 October 2025

Today, a total of 75 officers comprising 71 from the Rwanda Defence Force, two from the Rwanda National Police (RNP), and two from the Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS) completed the 22-week Junior Command and Staff Course intake 25 at the RDF Command and Staff College in Nyakinama, Musanze District. The graduation ceremony was presided over by the Rwanda Defence Force Army Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Vincent NYAKARUNDI.

The course equipped officers with the vital knowledge, skills, and competencies required to perform mid level command and staff roles in the military. It also enabled officers to step outside their professional specialisations and broaden their leadership and management skills at the tactical level.

Speaking on behalf of the Rwanda Defence Force Chief of Defence Staff, Army Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Vincent NYAKARUNDI, congratulated the graduates on their remarkable achievement. “The course has equipped you to become proactive, agile, and solution-oriented leaders who bring fresh energy and innovative ideas to the Force,” he said. He emphasized that the graduated officers are now tasked with renewing the sense of urgency and enhancing the operational effectiveness required to succeed against any adversary."

Maj Gen Vincent NYAKARUNDI urged them to rise to the great challenge that lies ahead. “Building a Defence Force and ultimately a nation that we all want and deserve, we must strive for a force built on trust, accountability, and sacrifice. You must look ahead and often far ahead, to anticipate potential opportunities, threats and challenges in today’s ever-changing and unpredictable security environment”.

He further reminded the graduates, as they depart from the college, to remember that their roles are pivotal in driving positive change and upholding the values of patriotism, integrity, and commitment in an increasingly complex global environment.

The Commandant of the RDF Command and Staff College, Brigadier General Andrew Nyamvumba, commended the graduates for their exceptional discipline, teamwork, and dedication throughout the 22-week course. He urged them to carry forward the same spirit of hard work, discipline, commitment, and professionalism into their future assignments, encouraging them to continue striving for excellence with the enthusiasm they demonstrated during the course.

The pass-out ceremony was graced by Generals and senior officers from the RDF and RNP and was attended by the spouses, parents, friends, relatives of the graduates, as well as religious leaders and local authorities from the Northern Province.