On Tuesday, 14 July 2026, the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College (RDFCSC) hosted a ceremony with the entire community to celebrate the National Day of the Republic of France.

The event brought together the College leadership, Directing Staff, participants of Senior Command and Staff Course 15 (SCSC 15), and members of the RDFCSC. Together, they honoured France’s national heritage and its enduring values of liberty, equality, and fraternity.

The ceremony provided an opportunity to reflect on the historical significance of 14 July, commemorating the storming of the Bastille in 1789. This defining moment of the French Revolution laid the foundation for modern democratic ideals and the establishment of the French Republic.

As part of the celebration, the French national anthem was played, paying tribute to the Republic of France and its National Day.

This symbolic gesture honored France’s enduring values and strengthened the spirit of solidarity between the RDFCSC community and the French Republic.

The French student Maj Francis CATEL addressed the gathering, expressing his pride and appreciation for celebrating the National Day of France with the RDFCSC community. In his remarks, he highlighted the values of liberty, unity, and fraternity that define the French Republic.

The Deputy Commandant and Chief Instructor (Dy Comdt & CI), Brig Gen Jean Chrysostome NGENDAHIMANA remarked: “On behalf of the faculty, staff and students of the RDFCSC, I extend our warmest congratulations to the government and people of the French Republic. We are especially pleased to celebrate this occasion with Maj Francis CATEL, who proudly represents France in SCSC15. Your presence enriches our multinational learning environment and strengthens the professional bonds that unite military officers from different nations.”