The Central African Republic Armed Forces (FACA), on Friday, March 7, graduated 438 new soldiers, including 38 women, after successfully completing six months of military training conducted by Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). In the past two years, RDF has trained hundreds of CAR soldiers as part of the defence cooperation arrangement between the two nations, aimed at helping CAR to build its security. The first cohort of 512 soldiers trained under the framework of a bilateral agreement between Rwanda and CAR graduated on November 24, 2023. The second cohort, 634 soldiers, graduated on August 5, 2024. The process of training the country’s quick reaction force troops continues – under an ongoing security sector reform programme – as RDF aims to build a proper and fully fledged CAR quick reaction force able to fully handle the country’s security duties. The Central African Republic Armed Forces (FACA) has graduated 438 new soldiers, including 38 women, after successfully completing six months of rigorous military training. The training was conducted by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) in collaboration with FACA.... pic.twitter.com/Lygfg4ZFhy — Rwanda Defence Force (@RwandaMoD) March 7, 2025 The latest graduation ceremony, held at Camp Kassaï military barracks in the capital Bangui, was presided over by CAR's Prime Minister Félix Moloua on behalf of President Faustin Archange Touadera. The event was attended by Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi, the RDF Army Chief of Staff, Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, the Defence Spokesperson, and Gen Zephlin Mamadou, the Chief of General Staff of FACA. Prime Minister Moloua commended the ongoing military cooperation between RDF and FACA, highlighting its positive outcomes. We are pleased with the military cooperation that has helped reinforce FACA. Our government is satisfied with the work done. Today, we witnessed the Central African Republic Armed Forces demonstrating their capability to protect the nation and its people, he said. Gen. Mamadou praised the training provided by RDF, describing it as crucial in enhancing FACA’s capacity to tackle security challenges. Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi emphasised that the intensive military training is a result of the initiative by the two countries' leaders, aiming to produce professional soldiers equipped with the skills, techniques, and knowledge required to effectively defend CAR's territorial integrity in both peacetime and wartime. He pledged RDF’s continued support in building FACA’s capacity, not only through basic military training but also in various career development courses. During the event, the graduates showcased some of the skills they acquired during the six-month training, including shooting different types of weapons.
