KIGALI - The three-day retreat by the top leadership of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF), that aimed at strengthening the military institution, ended, yesterday, on a high note, after the forces reflected on the progress registered since the previous retreat was held two years ago.

The retreat brought together general and senior officers of the force, military attachés from Rwanda’s diplomatic missions overseas and representatives from the Reserve Force.

The major issues that were tackled in the retreat include, the current state of the RDF, its achievements, challenges and future prospects, a comprehensive and holistic security threat analysis, the RDF military strategy and other specific strategies related to Human resource development.

The retreat also tackled the state information technology, Reserve Force development, civil – military cooperation, enhancement of self-reliance, Peace Support Operations, arming and equipping of the RDF, development of Kanombe Military Hospital and military infrastructure development.

"I am happy to note that a number of positive strides have been made since the previous retreat although some challenges and gaps still remain,” said the Minister of Defence James Kabarebe.

Kabarebe added that, while a number of challenges still remain, there are a number of strengths and opportunities that the RDF shall continue to enhance and rely on.

"In particular, the RDF shall continue to rely heavily on its values and ethos, its exemplary strategic leadership, its unique doctrine as well as the trust and confidence of the population while, of course, building its physical capability,” said Kabarebe.

"The general strategic plan and various specific plans will enable us to have a more focused and implementable action plan instead of being bogged down in routine matters.”

He promised that the ministry would put in place a monitoring and evaluation mechanism that will ensure that all the agreed upon strategies are implemented within the specified timeframe.

Ends