Musanze, On 12 December 2024

On 12 December 2024, Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College joined the Republics of Kenya and Burkina Faso in celebrating their respective 61^st and 64th Independence Anniversaries.

Kenya gained independence on December 12, 1963 with Mzee Jomo Kenyatta becoming its first President. Kenya is a country in East Africa with a coastline on the Indian Ocean. It encompasses savannah, lakelands, the dramatic Great Rift Valley, and mountain highlands. It is also home to wildlife like lions, elephants and rhinos. From Nairobi, the capital city, safaris visit the Maasai Mara Reserve, known for its annual wildebeest migrations, and Amboseli National Park, offering views of Tanzania's 5,895m Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Faculty taking a picture with the Kenyan students & DS 

The student who spoke on behalf of the Kenyan fraternity at the college Maj Nangole ELIUD reiterated the cordial relationship between Kenya and Rwanda and between respective 2 great Defence Forces, the KDF and RDF.  He said… “As we celebrate Kenya’s independence, it is important to reflect on the bonds of friendship and cooperation that we share with Rwanda. Our 2 nations enjoy a deep and enduring relationship, built on mutual respect, shared goals, and a commitment to regional stability and development. From trade and investment to security collaboration, Kenya and Rwanda have worked hand in hand to advance the prosperity of our people. The East African Community (EAC) is a testament to our shared vision of integration, where the dreams of our founding fathers, to see a united and prosperous Africa, continue to inspire us”. 

Burkina Faso gained independence on 5 Aug 1960 with Maurice Yaméogo becoming the first president. However, the event is officially celebrated each 11 December, a date chosen to commemorate the attainment of self-determination from French colonial rule. Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa, bordered by Mali to the northwest, Niger to the northeast, Benin to the southeast, Togo and Ghana to the south, and Ivory Coast to the southwest. It covers an area of 274,223 km². In 2021, the country had an estimated population of approximately 23,674,480.

Faculty taking a picture with the Burkinabe student 

During the occasion, the Burkinabe student, Maj Arsene Wilfred BADOLO, addressed the gathering.  He said… “Burkina Faso faces an unprecedented wave of terrorism, jeopardizing its territorial integrity and the state’s capacity to uphold sovereignty in the affected regions. In the effort to restore territorial integrity, all sectors and development stakeholders carry significant responsibilities. While military operations remain central to this effort, they are effectively supported by development initiatives undertaken within a complex regional and international framework. Together with unity and solidarity, we can build an Africa of peace, prosperity, and security. May the spirit of independence and fraternity continue to guide us and inspire our actions”.

The event was graced by the College Deputy Commandant Brig Gen JC NGENDAHIMANA. During his speech, he said… “As part of the RDFCSC’s tradition of inclusivity and respect for all nations represented on courses; we are, once more again, gathered here today to celebrate the independence days of 2 great countries. The 64^th Independence Day of the Republic of Burkina Faso, and the 61^st Independence Day of the Republic of Kenya. It is therefore with great joy and honour that, on behalf of the Comdt, the entire College fraternity, and indeed on my own behalf, I wish the great people of the Republics of Burkina Faso and Kenya, particularly and respectively Maj Arsene Marie Wilfred BADOLO, Maj Nangole ELIUD, and Maj Omoyo Oscar WESLEY, students and and Lt Col Javan Makunda, the Kenyan DS on exchange programme, a very Happy Independence Day”.

Brig Gen JC NGENDAHIMANA Deputy Commandant & CI

Brig Gen JC NGENDAHIMANA also lauded the good cooperation and partnership between the 3 sister republics of Rwanda, Burkina Fasso and Kenya. He said… “This College is most privileged to yearly and regularly host in our midst 2 students and one DS from Kenya since the College’s inauguration. And in opposite direction, RDF has had many Senior Officers training and teaching in Kenya. In the same vain, we are pleased to host the first Burkinabe Officer this academic year. We know this is just a beginning of a long military training partnership, going forward. Such bilateral cooperations that give birth to many more enduring partnerships serving common interests, is what will take Africa to its fullest political, social and economic independence”.

Brig Gen JC NGENDAHIMANA Deputy Commandant & CI, the faculty members and SCSC 13 during the Kenya and Burkina Faso National Anthems.

Other Pictures.