The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) on Saturday, December 9, officially enrolled newly trained soldiers into the Force following the completion of a seven-month military training programme at the Basic Military Training Centre - Nasho in Kirehe District.

The young men and women showcased their acquired skills in arms and drills to the RDF leadership before being formally embraced into the force, a statement indicates.

The ceremony was presided over by the RDF Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt Gen Mubarakh Muganga, on behalf of the Rwanda Defence Force Commander-in-Chief, President President Paul Kagame.

In his address, Muganga congratulated the new graduates and told them to use the knowledge gained to defend their country.

He said: "On behalf of the Commander-in-Chief and RDF at large I congratulate you for this milestone. The knowledge gained here will help you to perform and fulfill the RDF duties and also help you to keep your discipline.

"We thank you for choosing to join RDF in order to defend your country."

As noted, the recruitment and integration of new soldiers constitutes ongoing process aligned with the RDF's imperative operational readiness.