A delegation of 19 officers from the UK Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS), a senior college of the Defence Academy of the United Kingdom, visited Rwanda Peace Academy (RPA) on May 16 to learn about the role and function of the RPA as a regional peacekeeping training and research institution.

The UK Royal College of Defence Studies delegation on a study tour in Rwanda from May 14 to 19 was led by Lt Gen (Rtd) Sir George Norton, the commandant of the college.

An RPA statement indicates that the delegation was briefed on the rationale for establishment of the RPA, the mission and objectives of the Academy, its programmes and activities, as well as its achievements.

The Royal College of Defence Studies is a British military staff college that trains senior officers from the British Armed Forces, Civil Service, and Diplomatic Service in international security and national defence. Its goal is to develop strategic thinkers and leaders who can work at the strategic level in a cross-government and international environment.

On May 15, the visiting delegation visited Rwanda Defence Force headquarters. They were received by the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Mubarakh Muganga and were briefed on RDFs transformation journey and regional security dynamics by Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, the Defence and Military Spokesperson.

Their study tour includes visits to the RDF Command and Staff College, the Rwanda Peace Academy in Musanze, and the Dallaire Institute for Children and Security.

On arrival, the delegation paid homage to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi at Kigali Genocide Memorial and later visited the Campaign Against Genocide Museum.