President Paul Kagame has promoted 632 military officers from the rank of Second Lieutenant to Lieutenant.
The promotions were communicated by Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) in a statement released on October 4, noting that the changes take immediate effect.
"The President of the Republic of Rwanda and Commander-in-Chief of the RDF has promoted 632 officers, due for promotion from the rank of Second Lieutenant to the rank of Lieutenant. The promotion takes immediate effect,” the statement read.
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The promotion follows the commissioning of 1,029 officer cadets, who were conferred with the rank of Second Lieutenant after completing the 12th intake of Officer Basic Training at the Rwanda Military Academy in Gako, Bugesera District.
During the commissioning ceremony held on September 3, President Kagame urged the newly commissioned officers to take seriously their duty to protect the nation and its people.
"I thank each one of you for the dedication and determination you have shown throughout the rigorous training you have undergone up to this day. I also thank your trainers for playing a significant role in preparing you to perform well in the responsibilities you have been given,” he said.
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He reminded the officers that their foremost duty is to safeguard Rwanda’s peace and security.
"The responsibility of protecting Rwanda and Rwandans is one you must fulfill properly. You must fully understand this duty. Your role is to ensure the country remains secure and protected from those who do not wish it well. We seek peace,” he emphasized.
President Kagame further noted that, 31 years after liberation, Rwanda continues to rebuild and strengthen its foundations of security and peace, a task he said requires the collective responsibility of all citizens.
He also highlighted that the world is constantly changing, bringing new challenges that require adaptability, discipline, and resilience.
"The world keeps changing. Challenges keep evolving. You must stay on the right path and use these challenges as opportunities to prepare for success,” he said.