It was all glitz and glamour on Friday afternoon as 49 senior officers from Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Rwanda National Police and Allied Armed Forces from 10 African countries graduated upon completing a one-year long Senior Command and Staff Course at Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Command and Staff College in Nyakinama, in Musanze District.
The ceremony which also marked the 12th intake, was presided over by the Minister of Defence, Juvenal Marizamunda.
VIDEO: 49 military officers graduate at RDF Command and Staff College in Nyakinama
Present at the ceremony was RDF Chief of Defence Staff Gen Mubarakh Muganga, representatives of security organs, cabinet members, representatives of the diplomatic corps, and University of Rwanda officials.
Marizamunda said that the knowledge, skills, and expertise that graduands acquired during the course will serve them well, as they take on greater responsibilities and leadership roles within the armed forces.
He said: "Today, we are here not only to celebrate your individual achievements, but also to recognize the collective strength and unity that this esteemed college represents. The Senior Command and Staff College, has nurtured the minds of capable leaders, who have been shaped and molded to face the challenges of our ever-changing world.
"In such a constantly evolving world, with new security threats and complex global issues, the need for military leaders that comprehend the complexities and dynamics of global, regional, and domestic environments, and their ramifications on national security has become more crucial than ever before.”
The senior officers acquired professional military knowledge designed to help them in their future command and leadership management responsibilities.
All the graduates were awarded with the ‘Passed Staff College’ symbol and course certificate while 34 were awarded a Master of Arts degree in security studies by University of Rwanda.
Nigeria&039;s Maj Ademola Oluwaseun Owolana emerged as the best officer of the course. Besides Rwanda, the graduates also came from Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Senegal, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia.
"May you serve with honour, uphold justice, and contribute to a safer more secure world," said UR Vice Chancellor Didas Muganga Kayihura.