Musanze 11, October 2024

The Junior Command and Staff Course equips selected officers with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively perform command responsibilities at the tactical level and Grade 3 staff duties at the operational level while laying the foundation for professional development in the Senior Command and Staff Course.

The Junior Command and Staff Course 23 commenced on 27 May 2024 with 76 students: 72 officers from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), 2 from the Rwanda National Police (RNP), and 2 from the Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS). Among the graduating cohort are 6 female officers from the RDF and one from the RCS. Seventy-two RDF officers hold the ranks of Major and Captain, while the 2 officers from the RNP hold the rank of Chief Inspector of Police. The 2 officers from the RCS hold the ranks of Superintendent of Prisons and Chief Inspector of Prisons.

The JCSC lasted for 20 weeks, divided into two terms. The first term primarily focused on Routine and Operational Staff Work, Land Operations, and Force Organisation and Capabilities. The second term covered Stability Operations, Operations in Specific Environments, Leadership, Command and Management, National and International Affairs, Training of the Force, along with several indoor and outdoor training exercises.

The College had the honour of hosting esteemed officials from both military and civilian institutions, who generously shared their extensive experience and knowledge with the graduating class. Their lectures enriched the students' understanding of the contemporary security challenges facing both our nation and the world at large. The ceremony took place at the RDF Command and Staff College in Nyakinama, Musanze District.

CDS arrival at the ceremony.

The pass-out ceremony was attended by Generals and Senior Officers from the RDF and Police, alongside the graduates' families, friends, religious leaders, and local authorities from the Northern Province.

The RDF Command and Staff College Commandant, Brig Gen A. NYAMVUMBA, welcomed guests to the Junior Command and Staff Course Intake 12 graduation, noting the significance of the day in the graduates' career progression. He commended their exemplary discipline, teamwork, and commitment, which contributed to their success, and proudly announced that all 76 officers had successfully met the course objectives and are ready for their upcoming roles.

The Commandant Brig Gen A. NYAMVUMBA giving his remarks.

During the ceremony, certificates were awarded to the graduates, with Maj Vedaste Masabo receiving the Best College Research Paper award. Maj Tonny Gasana was recognised as Best Second Student and Capt Michael Nsengiyumva was named overall best student.

The best College Research Paper Maj Vedaste Masabo receiving his award.

The second overall best student, Maj Tonny Gasana receiving his award.

The overall best student, Capt Michael Nsengiyumva receiving his award.

At the event, Chief of Defence Staff Gen MK Mubarakh congratulated the graduates and stressed the importance of RDF's education programs for professional development. He urged them to contribute meaningfully to national transformation, echoing President Kagame’s emphasis on rigorous training to defend national interests and tackle defence challenges.

The CDS signing in the Visitors’ Book.

Students and their family members’ photo.