Musanze on 13 January 2023

For security and defence forces, the protection and respect of the individual countries’ cultures and norms has become one of national vital responsibilities. With the importance of culture in strategic studies, the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College (RDFCSC) organizes cultural festival and displays every year. To nurturing inter-cultural dynamics between students represented on Senior Command and Staff Course, the students of (SCSC) 11 showcased cultural diversity as part of their course program, at RDFCSC in Musanze District on 13 January 2023. The event was presided over by the Army Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Mubarakh Muganga.

In his welcoming remarks, Col Jean Chrysostome Ngendahimana, the RDF CSC Deputy Commandant emphasized on the importance of culture day at RDFCSC, noting that “this cultural event educates each one of us to love and appreciate our diverse cultures. Let our cultures make us stronger and our diversity build our unity.”

On behalf of the Allied students, Lt Col Susan Lakot Oruni, a student from Uganda said that recognizing different cultures for them as Army personnel is very important. “Because of the nature of work, we do as army personnel; we don’t only operate in our own countries hence the need to be well versed with cultures of other people. Culture makes us who we are and its preservation makes us proud as Africans.”

Lt Col R RWAKARENGWA, the Course Senior, speaking on behalf of his fellow students, noted that; the objective of this event is to promote culture, values and beliefs of diverse societies from the continent of Africa and beyond, and foster intercultural dynamics amongst the countries represented through displaying diverse values and good practices.

In his speech, the Guest of Honor stressed that culture remains an important part in human behaviour, most especially in military environment. “The culture reflects the individual behaviour, discipline and values; therefore, it is necessary to always emphasize on understanding the culture of everyone and respect it.” said Lt Gen Mubarakh Muganga.

Currently 48 senior officers including 17 allied students from eleven countries namely Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia, proudly showcased their national cultural identity through language, music and arts, dance, dressing, cuisine, drinks, social habits, and local products which started with country briefs by respective students on 11 and 12 January 2023 and they displayed different aspects of their national cultures on 13 January 2023.

The event was attended by other guests from all the countries represented on the course including the heads of Faith based Organizations, Defence Attaches, and Senior Officers from Rwanda Deffence Force and Rwanda National Police, as well as Local Government Authorities including the Governor of Northern Province, Representative of higher learning institutions and the Mayor of Musanze District.

The event presided over by the Army Chief of Staff

The RDFCSC Deputy Commandant

Lt Col R RWAKARENGWA Course Senior

Lt Col Susan Lakot Oruni speaking on behalf of the Allied students

The invited guests toured the countries exhibition stands and they could taste and appreciate various food delicacies.

The event was graced by the cultural troupes “Inganzo Ngali from Rwanda and Ugandan Cultural troupe” who put up an exciting performance.