Musanze, 16 June 2025   

On 16 June 2025, 108 Senior Officers from twenty countries, including Benin, Botswana, Burkinafaso, Central Africa Republic, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Jordan, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Mozambique, Niger, Nigeria, Rwanda, South Sudan,Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia graduated the Senior Command and Staff Course Intake 13.

The graduation ceremony was presided over by the Right Honorable Prime Minister of the Republic of Rwanda, Dr Edouard Ngirente on behalf of H.E Paul Kagame, the President of the Republic of Rwanda and Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force.

The Right Hon Prime Minister of the Republic of Rwanda and the Guest of Honour was accompanied by the high Rwandan officials including the Minister of Defence, Hon Juvenal Marizamunda; Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Hon Ines Mpambara; Minister of Internal Security, Hon Dr Vincent Biruta; Minister of Local Government, Hon Dr Patrice Mugenzi; Minister of Education, Hon Joseph Nsengimana; Minister of ICT and Innovation, Hon Paula Ingabire; RDF Chief of Defence Staff, General M.K. Mubarakh; Service chiefs; Inspector General of Rwanda National Police, Inspector Gerenal of Rwanda Correctional Service; Ag Vice Chancellor of University of Rwanda, Governor of Northern Province, representatives of other security organs; as well as other invited guests.   

The Right Hon Prime Minister of the Republic of Rwanda and the Guest of Honor accompanied by the high Rwandan officials were briefed and after conducted a guided tour of the College facilities. 

In his remarks, the Rt Hon Prime Minister, Dr Edouard Ngirente, underscored the pivotal role the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College plays in preparing leaders to navigate today’s complex security environment.

“It is more than an institution; it is the foundation upon which builds the future of our defence forces. Through this programme, our senior officers have acquired not only tactical expertise but also strategic insight, ensuring they are well-prepared to operate effectively in an evolving and challenging security landscape. Today, the world presents emerging threats, including cyber warfare, asymmetric conflicts, misinformation, and global health crises. These challenges require leaders who think critically, adapt swiftly, and act decisively with integrity. Developing such leadership is at the heart of this training. In this regard, the Government of Rwanda continues to invest in resources, enhance infrastructure, and foster technological advancement to support this College,” said PM Ngirente.

He also expressed gratitude to the nations of the graduating officers, noting that their presence at this internationally recognized college reflects the value of cooperation and collaboration in strengthening defence capacities.

Brig Gen A NYAMVUMBA, the Commandant RDFCSC, underlined the College’s significant achievements in its one-year-long course.

“On behalf of the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College fraternity, it is my distinct honor and privilege to welcome you all to the graduation ceremony of Senior Command and Staff Course 13, here at the RDF Command and Staff College. Today, we celebrate the successful completion of a 47-week-long intensive course that commenced on 15 July last year. This cohort includes 82 national students (comprising 78 RDF senior officers, 2 senior officers from the Rwanda National Police, and 2 senior officers from the Rwanda Correctional Service) and 26 senior officers from allied nations. These 26 allied senior officers comprise two senior officers each from ETHIOPIA, KENYA, MALAWI, SOUTH SUDAN, UNITED REPUBLIC OF TANZANIA, UGANDA, ZAMBIA and one senior officer each from BENIN, BOTSWANA, BURKINA FASO, ESWATINI, GHANA, GUINEA, JORDAN, MALI, MOZAMBIQUE, NIGER, and NIGERIA.

Guest of Honour, Sir, I would also like to acknowledge the steadfast dedication and professionalism of the College’s faculty and staff. Their tireless efforts have been crucial to the successful delivery of this course. I extend special congratulations to One RDF and Two Allied Directing Staff who are completing their second-year tour of duty at the College. Your commitment, expertise, and mentorship have greatly enriched the learning experience of our students, and you are most deserving of the Dagger Awards in recognition of your invaluable service. I also express our sincere gratitude to the University of Rwanda for continuing to provide academic support to deliver the Master of Arts in Security Studies and to the Rwanda Peace Academy, which delivered the Peace Support Operations training package.”

The Commandant of the RDF CSC, Brig Gen Andrew Nyamvumba, reiterated the college’s commitment to delivering high-quality and adaptive education and training that meet the demands of today’s dynamic security environment. He declared that 108 Senior officers before us have met all academic requirements for the Senior Command and Staff Course and are now allowed to use the symbol “psc” – Passed Staff Course.

Among 108 students who graduated “psc”, the University of Rwanda awarded 70 students a Master degree of Arts in Security Studies.

The faculty members who have completed 2 consecutive years of teaching or managing training within the RDFCSC receiving the ‘psc’ dagger.

Awards were presented to graduates who excelled in various aspects of the course. The overall best student was Col Dr Dany Gatsinzi from Rwanda Defence Force, who also got the best College research paper award. Wg Cdr Oluwatoyin Ademola Ogunleye from Nigeria took the second overall award, while Maj Wesley Oscar Omoyo from Kenya took the third overall award, and the best allied award was received by Maj Abdalah Traore from Mali. 

The Right Honorable Prime Minister of the Republic of Rwanda, Dr Edouard Ngirente signing in the visitor’s book.

Group photo with the guests.