Musanze, 23 January 2026

The Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College (RDFCSC) today held its 13th Annual Cultural Day at its premises in Musanze District. The colourful event showcased the rich cultural diversity of senior military officers from 20 African countries and beyond who are currently undertaking the Senior Command and Staff Course at the College.

Participants presented their cultural heritage through traditional cuisine, dances, attire, and other forms of artistic expression. Countries represented at the RDFCSC include Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Jordan, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and the host nation, Rwanda.

Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, the RDFCSC Commandant, Brig Gen Andrew Nyamvumba, emphasised that the event reflected the spirit of military cooperation and solidarity among uniformed personnel. He noted that Cultural Day has become an important tradition at the College, providing an opportunity for students to interact, exchange ideas, and appreciate the richness of cultural diversity.

“Cultural Day at the College has become an excellent practice that reinforces military cooperation and solidarity among people in uniform. Undoubtedly, this event fosters mutual support, flexibility, teamwork, and collaboration,” he said.

Brig Gen Nyamvumba added that each culture presented reflects the unique identity of its nation, as well as the shared values that unite members of the armed forces and the global community. He stressed that understanding and respecting cultural differences is essential to enhancing operational effectiveness and strengthening mutual bonds.

The Senior Student on the course, Lt Col John Gakoza, said that Cultural Day offers a rare opportunity to move beyond rank, nationality, and assignment to engage with one another as people shaped by history, tradition, and shared human values. “May the music, dance, attire, food, and stories on display today remind us that diversity is not a weakness, but a strategic strength,” he said.

The Allied Students’ Representative, Lt Col Patrick Nii Lante Anang from the Ghana Armed Forces said that as allied students, they were especially privileged to participate in this event in Rwanda, a nation whose history reflects the power of unity, resilience and purposeful nation-building. “For many of us, Rwanda’s experience offers valuable lessons on cohesion, reconciliation and the role of shared identity in building a stable future.’’ He said.

The event was also attended by the Governor of Northern Province, Maurice Mugabowagahunde and other local government officials, members of the local community from Musanze District, family members of the students, and members of the diplomatic corps.