UK Defence College hails RDF

A thirteen-man delegation of students and staff of United Kingdom-based Royal College of Defence Studies who are on a study tour in Rwanda, were yesterday inspired by the Rwanda Defence Forces’ achievements in restoring peace, security and unity in the country after the 1994 Genocide of Tutsis.

Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Chief of Defence Forces, James Kabarebe poses with RDF and UK-based Royal College of Defence Studies staff yesterday. (Photo/ J.Mbanda)

A thirteen-man delegation of students and staff of United Kingdom-based Royal College of Defence Studies who are on a study tour in Rwanda, were yesterday inspired by the Rwanda Defence Forces’ achievements in restoring peace, security and unity in the country after the 1994 Genocide of Tutsis.

Speaking after meeting with the Military High Command, the head of the delegation, Sir Brian Donnelly, said that their tour has helped them expand their knowledge on the country.

He added that Rwanda had made significant progress and that the Royal College of Defence Studies will look for possible ways of establishing permanent relations with the country.

Donnelly also said that every member of his entourage will advocate for Rwanda in their respective countries.

The delegation had students’ representatives from the United Kingdom, Bahrain, Georgia, Israel, Netherlands, Austria, Canada and New Zealand.

After their meeting with the Military High Command, the team also met with the Minister of Defence, Gen. Marcel Gatsinzi.

It is the first time staff and students of the Royal College of Defence Studies are visiting Rwanda, and during their stay, they are expected to meet top government officials and visit several development projects.

So far the team has visited Pfunda Coffee factory, the Methane Gas Project in Rubavu, and Rwanda Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission, among others.

The Royal College of Defence Studies is an internationally-renowned institution that provides military studies and security and Defence on a higher level but also provides studies of international studies to civilians.

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