On 26 May 2025, Rwanda Defense Command and Staff College (RDFCSC) organized a ceremony for the entire community to celebrate, albeit belatedly, the 79^th Independence Day of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The official anniversary fell on Sunday the 25 of May, which coincided with the weekend, and therefore the College was unable to observe this significant milestone on its exact date until 26 May 2026, the event was attended by Brig Gen A Nyamvumba, the Commandant of the College, along with Directing Staff and the Students of SCSC 13.

Following the Great Arab Revolt during World War I, the Ottoman Empire, which included modern-day Jordan, was partitioned by Britain and France, leading to the establishment of the Emirate of Transjordan as a British protectorate in 1921 by the Hashemite Emir Abdullah.

Following World War II, the Jordanian and British governments entered into negotiations for Jordan’s independence, which were finalized in the Treaty of London in 1946. The arrangement transformed the Emirate into a Kingdom, which became officially known as the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.

During the event, the Jordan national anthem was played.

Lt Col Fayiz Mohammad AL-KHALAILEH, a Jordanian student of SCSC 13, said “It is a great honour to stand before you today and speak about a very special occasion for my country, the Independence Day of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which we celebrate every year on May 25^th.

This day is not only a national holiday. It is a powerful reminder of our history, our values, and the long journey that brought us to where we are today. I am proud to share this moment with you, our African brothers and sisters. For Jordanians, independence is more than just the end of foreign control. It means dignity, responsibility, and unity. It means the right to choose our path and to build a nation based on respect, justice, and shared values. As we remember May 25^th, we honor the sacrifices of those who fought for our freedom. We also commit to building a peaceful and sustainable future for our children.

On behalf of the Jordanian people, I thank you for your friendship and your respect. Let us continue to build bridges, share knowledge, and support one another in the spirit of solidarity.”

Brig Gen A Nyamvumba, the Commandant of the College, highlighted in his remarks during the ceremony said, “I would like to take this opportunity to highlight the robust and enduring partnership between the Republic of Rwanda and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, which spans multiple sectors of mutual interest. Of particular significance is our close collaboration within the realm of defence and security, which continues to deepen and evolve. In this context, the RDFCSC is honoured to host Lt Col Fayiz Mohammad AL-KHALAILEH as a distinguished student in SCSC 13. His presence here is a testament to the operational and strategic ties that underpin our bilateral relationship. 

This celebration not only honors that enduring legacy but also serves to inspire each of us to uphold the timeless values of courage, commitment, and solidarity that continue to define the spirit of Jordan. Once again, congratulations to our Jordanian brother and to the people of Jordan on this historic milestone. May God bless you.”

Group photo.