The RDF Command and Staff College today launched the International Relations and Security Course, the first in a new series of strategic-level programmes developed in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR).

Maj Gen Eugene Nkubito, Commander of the 3rd Division, who officially inaugurated the course on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, said the event represents more than the introduction of a new academic programme.

“the course represents an investment in strategic leadership, an investment in intellectual readiness, and ultimately an investment in national and regional security,” he said.

Maj Gen Nkubito noted that today’s security challenges are increasingly complex and interconnected. “Strategic competition, technological disruption, transnational threats, and evolving geopolitical dynamics require leaders who can think beyond the battlefield—leaders who understand the broader political, diplomatic, and strategic environment in which security decisions are made.”

He urged the pioneers of the programme to use the opportunity to broaden their perspectives, challenge assumptions, and build networks of cooperation that will strengthen collective capacity to address shared security challenges.

In his remarks, the Commandant of the RDF Command and Staff College, Brig Gen Andrew Nyamvumba, said the course was designed to enhance the ability of senior professionals to understand international dynamics, assess strategic risks, and contribute effectively to policy and decision-making processes.

He added that the initiative reflects the continued commitment of the Rwanda Defence Force to invest in professional military education and the development of strategic leadership.

Brig Gen Nyamvumba also commended the partnership between the RDFCSC and UNITAR, noting that the collaboration demonstrates the importance of building bridges between security institutions, international organizations, and academic communities in order to develop leaders capable of addressing the complex challenges of our time.

The newly launched course will run for 30 days and is attended by 25 participants drawn from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Rwanda National Police (RNP), National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS), and Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS).

The launch event was attended by key officials, including representatives from Euclid University, the University of Rwanda, and other higher learning institutions.