MUSANZE - The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF), Gen. James Kabarebe, has urged regional military officers to put more effort in being professional as a way of averting conflict.

He said this yesterday while presiding over the closing ceremony of a two-week training programme, that brought together 36 military officers from East African states held at the Rwanda Military Academy (RMA) in Nyakinama.

The international military course dealt mainly with ethics and law of armed conflict.

Kabarebe told the officers that the military demands commitment to address problems in line with accepted principles and practices.

"Training is the cornerstone of military success…it enhances discipline and the forces’ readiness that are critical for any operation,’’ Kabarebe said.

The training was conducted by instructors from the Netherlands Defence Academy and RDF officers.

The Netherlands Ambassador, Frans Makken, and Uganda’s Ambassador, Richard Kabonero, also attended the ceremony, at  which officers who completed the training were awarded certificates.

The course attracted officers from the rank of Captain to Lt. Colonel.

The Commandant of RMA, Maj. Gen Karenzi Karake, said this kind of training enhances cooperation among EAC forces, which are already engaged in joint field training exercises.

"International humanitarian law was born on the battle field, it is steeped in the traditions and customs of all cultures and it is intended to reduce the suffering, loss and damage caused by war,’’ Karenzi told the officers.

RMA is the RDF’s centre for advanced training in military and peace support studies.

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