Musanze, 28 March 2025

Today, 75 officers; comprising of 71 from the Rwanda Defence Force, two from the Rwanda National Police, and two from the Rwanda Correctional Service, successfully completed the 21-week-long Junior Command and Staff Course at the RDF Command and Staff College in Nyakinama, Musanze District.

Major General Vincent Nyakarundi, the RDF Army Chief of Staff, who presided over the ceremony on behalf of the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, congratulated the graduates on completing their transformative professional military training. He emphasised that the knowledge and skills acquired would enable them to safeguard Rwanda’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He stated: “The RDF’s strategic prioritisation of institutional capacity building is achieved through structured education and training, ensuring operational readiness and mission-oriented officers capable of addressing evolving security challenges. Training remains central to maintaining relevance in an increasingly complex and volatile operating environment.”

Major General Nyakarundi urged the graduating officers to uphold the RDF’s noble responsibility of protecting the nation’s interests at all times. He also reminded them that discipline is the foundation of operational effectiveness and ethical leadership within the Rwanda Defence Force.

The Commandant of the RDF Command and Staff College, Brigadier General Andrew Nyamvumba, commended the graduates for their outstanding discipline, teamwork, and dedication throughout the 21-week course. He emphasised that these qualities were instrumental in their success.

Awards were presented to graduates who excelled in various aspects of the course. The overall top student was Major Nice Chris Calvin Kayitaba, while Major Eugene Niyonsenga received the Best College Research Paper award.

The graduation ceremony was also graced with the presence of Generals and senior officers from the RDF and the Rwanda National Police, as well as the graduates’ families, friends, religious leaders, and local authorities from the Northern Province.

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