The Rwanda Defence Force Senior Command and Staff College on Friday, January 23, held a Culture Day event showcasing cuisine, traditional dances, fashion, and other cultural displays presented by students from different countries.

The annual event, held at the Musanze-based military college, brought together 109 students, representing 20 African countries and one from Jordan.

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Participants engaged in a range of cultural displays, with the Culture Day instituted to recognise and celebrate the value of every nation’s heritage.

"Our cultures are our foundations. They tell us where we come from, but they must not limit where we are going. Our shared future is built on mutual respect and understanding,” said Brig Gen Andrew Nyamvumba, the Commandant of the college.

He added that while each culture reflects the unique identity of its nation, it also highlights the shared values that bind members of the armed forces and the global community together.

"Culture shapes our behaviour, informs our values, and fosters discipline within our ranks,” he said, calling for an environment that honours every individual’s background.

"In a world often divided, events like this remind us of the power of culture and celebration to bridge divides and foster lasting relationships,” he added.

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Maj Precious Mokgosi from Botswana said that military service and culture are closely interconnected.

"Days like this remind us of where we come from and highlight the diversity among us. There are many differences, but in those differences, there are also similarities, and those similarities are what can unify us,” she added.

Maj Alio Maidoukia from Niger said that when it comes to the military and culture it is important to recognise that the military does not operate in isolation.

"We live alongside the population. Beyond participating in coalitions or serving in major operations, we work together, learn to tolerate each other, and get to know one another.”

"In Africa, we realise that we are almost all the same. This understanding is very important for accomplishing our missions because we interact closely with local populations, and it is essential to know their culture.”

Lt Col Anas Mohammad Alzuby is the only officer from the Middle East and the first from Jordan to attend the course.

"For me, it’s the first time I have attended something like this, and it’s also my first time in Africa. It is very important to see what all the Africans have, the historic places, the foods, the traditional clothes, the music. It was amazing. I really enjoyed it and I liked it a lot,” he said.

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Alzuby said he also found studying in Rwanda very beneficial.

"The methods used for exercises and training are amazing and very different from what we use back home. It was a unique experience,” he said.

Lt Col John Gakoza from Rwanda said that in a military institution, culture is celebrated because it shapes identity, influences leadership, and strengthens unity.

"The Culture Day offers us a rare opportunity to step beyond rank, nationality and assignment and to meet one another as people with history, traditions and shared human values,” he said.

He added that Rwanda’s example shows that peace is built through understanding, discipline, respect for humanity, and unity, not force alone.

Countries represented in the 14th intake of the Senoir Command and Staff Course include Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Jordan, Malawi, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.