The RDF Command and Staff College will host its annual National Security Symposium from Monday to Wednesday with its primary aim being to deliberate on matters of national, regional and continental security with a view to developing practical solutions.

The College invites high level policy makers, security practitioners, subject matter experts and scholars of security studies to engage in interactive discussions with students of Senior Command and staff course on contemporary security challenges on the African continent.

"This year, the selected topics of discussion include transnational crimes on the continent, Combating cross border negative forces through interagency cooperation; counter terrorism strategies on the African continent, cyber threats and plausible measures, operationalizing our own African standby forces, the role of media in conflict management,the gendered aspects of security and external interference in African affairs,” reads part of an RDF communiqué released ahead of the event.

Panelists will give their expert views, opinions and proposed solutions before moderators involve students and the audience to make contributions and ask questions.

"These interactive discussions benefit students as they carry out their various research undertakings at the college and most importantly, to understand the dynamic and complex operating environment as they deploy at home and beyond their borders on completing the course.”

Invited officials include Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Louise Mushikiwabo, the Minister of Defence, Gen James Kabarebe,; the Minister of Gender and Family promotion, Diane Gashumba; RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Patrick Nyamvumba; Inspector General of Police, Emmanuel Gasana and the Advisor to President on Security and Defence, Lt Gen Karenzi Karake.

Also invited are leaders from the region and beyond including the immediate former EAC Secretary General, Dr Richard Sezibera; the Director Smart Africa and former Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Union, Dr Hamoudi Toure; reknown Cyber Security expert Brig Gen (Rtd) Yair Cohen from Israel and other senior military leaders including the Commander of Malawi Defence Forces; Chiefs of Defence Forces of Kenya and Uganda.

The guest of honor will be Minister of Defence Gen. James Kabarebe.