A delegation from Zimbabwe Staff College Joint Command and Staff Course is in Rwanda for a two-week study tour to study the country’s security transformation, governance model and post-conflict recovery as part of efforts to strengthen military cooperation between the two countries.
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The delegation, drawn from the Joint Command and Staff Course 39, met officials at the Ministry of Defence and Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Headquarters on Tuesday, July 28, where they were briefed on the evolution of Rwanda’s armed forces and their role in national and regional security.
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Speaking during the visit, Brig Gen Patrick Karuretwa, the Director General of International Military Cooperation and Defence Spokesperson, outlined how the RDF has evolved since the country’s liberation, highlighting its contribution to national development, regional stability and peace support operations across Africa.
The briefing also explored the force’s transformation into a professional military and its expanding role beyond conventional defence, including support to national development initiatives.
"The study tour underscores the strong and growing cooperation between Rwanda and Zimbabwe in professional military education,” the RDF said.
It also "reflects the shared commitment of both countries to promoting peace, security, and sustainable development across the African continent.”
Col Cosmore Kaondera, Director of Studies at the Zimbabwe Staff College’s Joint Command and Staff Course, said the visit offered an opportunity to learn from the Rwanda’s development journey.
He thanked the authorities for hosting the delegation and praised the country’s progress in rebuilding after the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Kaondera also commended the RDF’s involvement in community development programmes and international peace missions, saying such initiatives have delivered tangible benefits to communities.
The visit to the defence ministry followed a tour of Kigali Genocide Memorial and the Campaign Against Genocide Museum on Monday, where the officers learned about the history of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and Rwanda’s efforts to foster unity, reconciliation and lasting peace.
The delegation is also scheduled to visit other government institutions during its stay to gain a broader understanding of Rwanda&039;s governance system and socio-economic development.