Musanze, 6 November 2016

35 officers, including 33 from the Rwanda Defence Force and 2 from the Rwanda National Police, graduated from the Junior Command and Staff Course (JCSC/08) at RDF Command and Staff College, in Musanze District, on 6 November 2016. The graduation ceremony was presided over by the Army Chief of Staff (ACOS), Maj Gen Jacques Musemakweli, on behalf of the RDF Chief of Defence Staff.

The ceremony was also attended by RDF Generals and Senior Officers, spouses and family relatives of graduates as well as local government authorities including Northern Province Executive Secretary, Mr. Kabagamba Deogratias, and the Vice Mayor in Charge of Social Affairs in Musanze District, Mrs. Uwamaliya Marie Claire.

In his remarks, the ACOS congratulated the graduates for having demonstrated high standards of discipline and personal conduct during the 4 months course. Gen Musemakweli was confident the course has enabled the officers to become better commanders and staff officers at tactical and operational levels respectively. “What you have learned here will help you to contribute and earn the RDF in particular and our country in general, an international recognition whenever you will go for missions abroad and/or senior courses”, the ACOS said.

He also expressed gratitude to spouses and families of the graduates for their relentless patience and support in assisting the officers in completing the course.

Gen Musemakweli also took the opportunity to express his appreciation to the College Commandant, faculty, and support staff, who put much effort into successfully conducting that particular program. “You have contributed enormously towards the professionalization of the RDF and attainment of its operational and peacekeeping objectives”. He said

The RDF Command and Staff College Commandant, Maj Gen J B Kazura declared that the College was overjoyed to graduate military leaders who have reached a satisfactory level of capacity that will enable them to deal with security challenges and lead their subordinates towards achieving the goals set out by the senior leadership. He urged the officers to keep on displaying the resilience, dedication, hard work, commitment, and humility they demonstrated throughout their stay at the College.

Maj Antoine Mpagaze Baguma and Maj Richard Kayitare emerged as the overall best student and the second overall best student, respectively. The best Commandant’s Paper was won by Maj Peter Nsengiyumva. The Paper is the final research work that every student must produce to complete the JCSC.

The course ran for 17 weeks from 11 July to 6 November 2016.