At the passing-out ceremony of the 12th intake of Officer Basic Training, at Rwanda Military Academy in Gako, President Paul Kagame reminded newly commissioned officers that their mission goes beyond protecting Rwanda’s achievements; it also includes building on them to reach even greater heights. During the ceremony, which took place on Friday, October 3, a total of 1,029 cadets earned the rank of Second Lieutenant in the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). ALSO READ: We want you to protect Rwanda, Kagame tells new RDF officers The graduating cohort includes 42 officers trained in partner countries, 557 cadets who completed a one-year military training course at the academy, 182 graduates of the four-year Social and Military Sciences degree program, and 248 officers who completed a nine-month course. Of the cadets, 117 are women. Some of the officers shared their experiences, challenges and lessons learned during their training. For 2nd Lt Donata Muhawenimana, completing the one-year training at the Rwanda Military Academy was both a challenge and a dream fulfilled. She explained that the program covered a wide range of subjects designed to prepare the cadets for their duties as soldiers, including the responsibility to protect the country and its citizens. “It has been my dream since I was young to pursue a career in the military. Today, that dream has come true. I can say the journey was not easy, but it was not impossible either,” said Muhawenimana. “I am among the 117 young women who have completed this training, which was challenging but achievable. It requires a love for the country and commitment to work towards the dreams you have always had.” “For those who dream of serving their country, it is absolutely possible. It does not require extraordinary strength, but it does require patriotism,” she added. 2nd Lt Diawara Souleyman from Guinea Conakry described being commissioned in Rwanda as a lifelong dream. “I am very happy and confident that I am an officer of attitude, an officer of skills, and an officer of character, trained at the Rwanda Military Academy,” he said. “Through this course I have learned how to perform under physical and emotional stress, which makes an officer a good commander. With the skills and knowledge I have gained, I will be one of the key members to change the image of Rwanda and the RDF. Rwanda’s strength and development are deeply tied to its army, and I want to take those lessons back home to help develop my own country.” 2nd Lt Martine Lief Kibelinka, said the words of the Head of State resonated with her, as they emphasised that protecting the country does not only mean fighting wars, but also contributing to nation-building and preserving the legacy of past generations. “The military profession is not only for men. People often think it requires extraordinary physical strength, but above all, it requires love for one’s country and determination,” Kibelinka added. “This is not an easy journey, but it is possible. Our country does not belong to a few, it belongs to all of us, and together we must build it.” 2nd Lt Anaclet Nkubitoyimanzi emphasised the importance of the responsibilities placed on them by the President and the example set by earlier generations. “The responsibilities given to us by the President are very important, and we value them highly. The lessons we have learned will help us fulfill these duties, said Nkubitoyimanzi. This is not work that will overwhelm us, because those who came before us showed us the way from a young age. They gave us the country we have today and even made it known beyond our borders, so it is our role to continue advancing it.” The ceremony was also a moment of pride for the officers' families. Valerie Mukarwasa, said: “I thank God for protecting my child until he completed this journey. I am happy that he is now becoming a soldier of his country, who will defend us, protect our history, and safeguard his own future and that of his children. I wish him success, blessings, and a strong love for his work, so that the lessons he has learned will not be in vain.” Brig Gen Franco Rutagengwa, Deputy Commandant of the Rwanda Military Academy, acknowledged that the journey for the officer cadets had not been easy. Although 36 cadets did not complete the course for various reasons, Rutagengwa commended the effort and dedication the new officers exhibited as they trained to join the ranks of the RDF. “We take this opportunity to commend the parents and families of these cadets for the good upbringing, the spirit of patriotism, and the values of discipline they instilled in their children, as well as for supporting them in this career choice,” he said. He added: “We especially congratulate the cadets who have successfully completed their training for their resilience, discipline, and dedication, which have brought them to this milestone we celebrate today. We wish them success in fulfilling the responsibilities they will be entrusted with, and we urge them to continue striving for excellence as they were trained.”
