Musanze, 10 January 2025

The Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College (RDFCSC) in Nyakinama held its 12th annual Cultural Day, a vibrant event celebrating the rich cultural diversity of its Senior Command and Staff Course participants. This year’s event featured 108 senior military officers from 19 African nations, including one from Jordan, who showcased their unique traditions through cuisine, attire, music, and dance.

Brig Gen Andrew Nyamvumba, RDFCSC Commandant, presided over the event on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff and highlighted to the gathering that culture celebrates unity in diversity. “Each culture showcased not only the unique identities of our respective nations but also the shared values that bind us together as members of the armed forces and of the global village. In our line of duty, understanding and respecting cultural differences is paramount. It enhances our operational effectiveness and strengthens the bonds between us. Culture shapes our behaviours, informs our values, and fosters discipline within our ranks," said the Commandant.

Lt Col Robert Oumo Odeke from Uganda, representing allied students emphasised that their gathering today is a testament to richness of their different cultures. “Here, we are not just students or officers; but also cultural ambassadors. We represent nations with distinct identities, yet we come together to share, to learn, and to celebrate. This diversity should not in any way be taken as a barrier, but rather as a bridge. It is through events like this that we strengthen our bonds and deepen our understanding of one another,” he noted.

The event provided a platform for students to exchange knowledge about their traditions, beliefs, values, and cultural diversity. Participating countries this year included Rwanda, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Jordan, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.

Cultural Day remains a cornerstone of RDFCSC's mission, showcasing the value of cultural understanding in tackling shared challenges and strengthening military cooperation across Africa.