Wednesday, 2 October, 2024

In Musanze, the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College fraternity celebrated Guinea's 66th Independence Day. To mark the occasion, the College organized a reception for the entire fraternity. Students from the Senior Command and Staff Course (SCSC) 13, along with faculty and staff, attended the celebration.

The Republic of Guinea (widely referred to as Guinea-Conakry to differentiate it from its Lusophone neighbor, Guinea-Bissau) has had a turbulent political history. After rejecting Imperial France's Loi Cadre, Guinea declared independence on October 2, 1958, two years earlier than most other francophone countries in Africa. The Loi Cadre, enacted in France in 1956 after tremendous pressure from its colonies, transferred considerable administrative powers to the colonies but fell far short of the full independence most Africans sought.

Consequently, Guineans held a referendum and decisively voted against any further French colonial rule, believing that accession to the Loi Cadre would position Guinea as a “junior partner” to France. The “No” vote was orchestrated by the Guinea branch of the Rassemblement Démocratique Africain (African Democratic Rally [RDA]), an ‘inter-territorial movement of political parties and groups in Francophone countries in West and Central Africa.’

By 1958, the Guinea branch had become radicalized and, driven by pressures from the grassroots, defied the position of the RDA in other French West African territories. They voted for immediate independence and made Ahmed Sékou Touré (commonly referred to as Sékou Touré) the country’s first president.

The Republic of Guinea was the first French-speaking country in West Africa to gain independence from France. It is located in West Africa and is bordered on the west by the Atlantic Ocean. Guinea is known for the Mount Nimba Strict Nature Reserve in the southeast, which protects a forested mountain range rich in native plants and animals, including chimpanzees and the viviparous toad. On the coast, the capital city, Conakry, is home to the modern Grand Mosque and the National Museum, which showcases regional artifacts.

The national anthem of Guinea was honoured.

The Guinean student, Maj. Camara Mohamed Boundouka, addressed the gathering and said: “Today, we celebrate a momentous occasion—the anniversary of my country’s accession to national sovereignty. As I stand before you, I am filled with pride and gratitude. This day is not just a date on the calendar; it is a profound reminder of our journey toward independence and the enduring spirit of the Guinean people. As we celebrate our past and look toward the future, let us embrace the spirit of unity and cooperation that binds us together as Africans.”

On behalf of the entire College fraternity, the Head of Professional Courses, Col. Corneille Emile NKUNDIMANA, remarked: “It is with immense pride and a deep sense of honor that I stand before you today, representing the Commandant, who is unable to join us, to commemorate Guinea's Independence Day. Happy Independence Day to the people of the Republic of Guinea, especially Maj. Camara Mohamed Boundouka, who is with us today.

Today represents a significant chapter in Guinea's historical narrative and its pursuit of sovereignty. Commemorating the independence of the Republic of Guinea is essential, as it not only marks the culmination of a long struggle against colonial rule but also symbolizes the nation's commitment to self-determination and dignity. This occasion serves as a profound reminder of the resilience and unity of the Guinean people, celebrating their journey toward establishing a sovereign identity and fostering national pride in the face of adversity.

The Republics of Guinea and Rwanda maintain strong bilateral relations, founded on principles of mutual respect and collaboration, particularly in the defense sector. Within this framework of cooperation, the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College proudly admitted Maj. Camara Mohamed Boundouka as a member of the Senior Command and Staff Course Intake 13. The College believes that Maj. Camara is acquiring essential skills and knowledge while contributing his unique experiences, which greatly benefit both the College community and his fellow course members through various training activities.”

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