Nasho - President Paul Kagame on Thursday presided over the second pass-out of Rwanda Defence Special Forces at the Nasho Training School in the Eastern Province.

A total of 954 cadets who have been undergoing training for the last one year, demonstrated advanced combat skills in a series of military exercises during the function.

Addressing the cadets after the demonstrations and a high-spirited morale–building session where the cadets sang and danced to patriotic songs, President Kagame congratulated them on completing their training, and stated that having watched them in action; he was assured that they had worked diligently to acquire the skills demonstrated.

Kagame pointed out that as part of Rwanda’s armed forces, the cadets had a big role to play in guarding the integrity of the country.

Emphasising the importance of development, he added that integrity can only acquire to value if characterized by socioeconomic progress.

He said the RDF had registered success in defending the country, while constantly preparing to ward off any threats to the prevailing peace and stability the country enjoys.

Peace in Rwanda and beyond.

Recalling the history of RDF as an army with its origins in the fight for rights of all Rwandans and the liberation of the country, Kagame cautioned against complacency, stating that peace and stability must be defended not only in the Rwanda but in the region and beyond, in order to continue making economic and political progress.

Soldiers of RDF were the first to be deployed to the war-torn Sudanese Darfur region to assist in peace operations.

The President pointed out that this was not without reason and that Rwanda’s military had built a solid reputation that has inspired this confidence.

Referring to some of the death-defying physical feats performed during the military demonstrations, Kagame urged all to make the most of their physical and mental capacities emphasising that where there is will and forward looking leadership – everything is achievable, even what appears impossible.

Also present were high-ranking government officials including several members of Cabinet, senators, deputies and senior officers of the armed forces.

Ends