Musanze on 12 January 2024

Since 2013, the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College (RDFCSC) organizes cultural festival and displays. A series of country presentation by the students of the Senior Command and Staff Course (SCSC 12) started on 10 January and ended with a display on 12 January 2024. Rwanda and Allied countries showcased Countries cultural diversity through exquisite cuisine, traditional dance, and traditional attire. The event was presided over by the Commandant of Command and Staff College, Brig Gen Andrew Nyamvumba.

In his welcoming remarks, Brig Gen A. Nyamvumba, the RDFCSC Commandant emphasized the importance of Culture Day at RDFCSC, noting that "the Culture Day is an event that helps the students to exhibit their national cultural identity reflecting their language, religion, cuisine, social habits, music, dance, dress among others. It is undeniable that getting to know one another as people living together is a necessary endeavor for good human co-existence. Culture remains an important part of that characterizes, most especially in the military environment. The culture reflects individual behavior, discipline, and values, therefore, it is important to always emphasize understanding our culture of diversity and the need to respect it. This event has proven that culture can contribute to the integration of Africa as a fundamental component of human development as well as for sustainable peace and security."

Deputy Commandant, Brig Gen JC Ngendahimana gave his remarks by noting that "as we celebrate the 11^th college’s culture day, we invest into a positive impact on the cultural legacy of our various nations; mindful that training and education coupled with cultural values is one of the biggest contributions to making our countries better."

On behalf of the Allied students, Lt Col Shem Kakuba Nakora, a student from Uganda, said "Let us embrace this culture day as an opportunity to celebrate the rich mosaic of our collecting heritage. May our shared experiences at this prestigious institution continue to foster camaraderie, understanding, and collaboration among our nations."

Col P Munyankindi, the Course Senior, speaking on behalf of his fellow students, noted that; "in the military, we are often faced with challenges that require a collaborative approach to issues. Our ability to effectively work together, understand each other’s viewpoints, and respect cultural diversity greatly influences our success on the battlefield, peacetime operations, and peacekeeping operations. let us use this cultural celebration as a catalyst to deepen our understanding and relationship, to build bridges of comradeship, and to reaffirm our commitment to working hand in hand for the common cause. Let us pledge to carry forward the spirit of collaboration and respect that we foster today into our future endeavors, both within our military circles and beyond."

Currently, 49 senior officers' students composed of 34 Nationals and 15 allied students from 10 countries including the Republic of Botswana, the Federal Republic of Ethiopia, the Republic of Kenya, the Republic of Malawi, the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Republic of Senegal, the Republic of South Sudan, United Republic of Tanzania, Republic of Uganda, and the Republic of Zambia. All countries have their respective stands, and shortly, they will present their cultures. Cultural Day celebration is a tradition of Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College; this is the 11^th of its kind.

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 Defence 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.