Two senior officers of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) have graduated from the Joaan bin Jassim Academy for Defence Studies, Qatar’s premier higher military education institution under the Ministry of Defence.

The two officials: Lt Col Christian Mushengezi and Lt Col John Bosco Kamuhangire completed a 10-month professional military education programme. Alongside their studies, they also undertook Arabic language training to strengthen their capacity for international military cooperation.

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The graduation ceremony was officiated by Sheikh Saud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for Defence Affairs and attended by senior officials of the Qatar Armed Forces, members of the diplomatic corps, and other guests.

RDF was represented at the ceremony by Rwanda's Defence Attaché to Qatar, Col. Bernard Niyomugabo.

Rwanda and Qatar have in recent years expanded cooperation across security, education, transport, and aviation. One of the flagship projects is the international airport currently under construction in Bugesera, in which Qatar Airways holds a 60 per cent stake.

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The airport is expected to be completed in 2028 and will feature a main terminal capable of handling about eight million passengers annually, with future capacity projected to exceed 14 million.