President Paul Kagame on Friday, June 12, will preside over the graduation ceremony of Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Senior Command and Staff Course in Musanze District.

A total of 108 senior officers from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Rwanda National Police (RNP), and 19 friendly countries, have graduated from the 14th intake of the Senior Command and Staff Course at the RDF Command and Staff College, Nyakinama.

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The 46-week programme, delivered in collaboration with the University of Rwanda, covered strategic studies, operational planning, joint command exercises, and mission simulations, aimed at preparing officers for complex operational-level command and staff responsibilities.

All 108 graduands received the Passed Staff College qualification and a course certificate.

Among them, 55 officers were awarded a Master of Arts in Security Studies from the University of Rwanda.

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The graduation of the 14th intake of the RDF Senior Command and Staff Course was attended by senior government officials, security officers, friends and families of the graduating officers as well as security chiefs from friendly countries.

Brig Gen Andrew Nyamvumba, Commandant of the RDF Command and Staff College, commended the graduands for completing course.

"[Graduands] as you return to your respective defence forces, lead with integrity, think strategically, and act with humility,” Nyamvumba said.

"To our allied student officers, I want to thank you for making this college your home and for generously sharing your unique experiences, cultures, and perspectives."

He noted that the programme was designed to deepen multinational interoperability and enhance the application of military power in complex operational environments.

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Nyamvumba emphasised that the senior officers had not only been sharpened intellectually but had also been strengthened morally, with the attitude, fortitude, and strategic foresight essential for leadership in today's unpredictable security environment.

Prof Didas Kayihura Muganga, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, told the graduands that as they return to their respective duties, they should carry forward the knowledge, professionalism, and networks they have built during the course.

He urged them to use these gains to promote peace, stability, and responsible leadership in their countries and communities.

Other participating countries included Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, the Central African Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, and Jordan. There is also Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia.