BUGESERA - Students and faculty members from the US National War College (NWC) yesterday wrapped up their week-long study tour.

Their last stops were at the Rwanda Military Academy (RMA) in Bugesera District, Gashora Girls Academy of Science and Technology, and the Nyamata Genocide Memorial site.

Monica Stein-Olson, professor of strategic planning at NWC told The New Times that over the last 10 months, her group has studied strategic planning as it relates to national security, with focus on Rwanda and Kenya.

"When we go back tomorrow, we are going to develop the strategic plan to present to the department of state with recommendations of what we found,” she said.

At the RMA, they were shown around and briefed on the ongoing pre-deployment preparations at the Peacekeeping Operations Centre,by Brig. Gen. Frank Mushyo Kamanzi, the Commandant of the school.

Kamanzi explained to the students of "Rwanda’s unique situation” in peacekeeping missions.
 
He noted how Rwandan peacekeepers "see things from two sides” – given their peacekeeping experience, and the experience of liberating Rwanda in 1994.
Rwanda is currently the eighth largest contributor of  peacekeeping troops. 

"Our experience helps. We had expectations here in 1994 – we know the people’s expectations and once we go out there, we do our best, within the limits of the mandate,” Kamanzi said.

"What I get from the Rwanda military is that it’s a very professional force–within Rwandan society and that other countries can learn from”.

After Gako, the group of 10 headed to Gashora Girls Academy..

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