Forty-eight senior officers from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Rwanda National Police, and others from various allied armed forces across Africa graduated from the Senior Command and Staff Course Intake-11 on June 9. There were 17 officers from various countries across Africa. The graduation ceremony attended by several dignitaries was presided over by Minister of Defence Juvenal Marizamunda. Throughout the rigorous one-year course, the officers honed their professional military skills and acquired extensive knowledge in strategic command and leadership management. ALSO READ: Qatari military academy students visit RDF Command and Staff College The curriculum was specifically designed to equip them with the expertise necessary to assume future responsibilities in commanding and leading military operations. In his remarks, Marizamunda emphasized the importance of exemplary leadership. He urged the graduates to uphold the principles of justice and act with a commitment to the greater good. The Minister noted that their respective countries and communities look up to them as the future guardians of peace and stability. He expressed his confidence in their ability to overcome challenges, emphasizing that they were equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to face any obstacle head-on. ALSO READ: RDF Command and Staff college students on agricultural study tour Marizamunda praised the experience gained by the officers during their time in the program. He emphasized the value of their interactions with instructors and colleagues, believing that these experiences would contribute significantly to the national and regional security of their respective countries. As a symbol of their achievement, all 48 graduants received the coveted 'Passed Staff College' emblem and a course certificate. Thirty-six of the officers were honored with a Master of Arts degree in Security Studies from the University of Rwanda. The graduants were from various countries across Africa, including Botswana, Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. ALSO READ: Cultural diversity showcased at RDF Command and Staff College Their diverse backgrounds and shared experience in the Senior Command and Staff Course fostered collaboration and knowledge exchange, enhancing the prospects of future joint operations and cooperation across the continent. The successful completion of the Senior Command and Staff Course by these senior officers marks a significant milestone in their military careers. Their newfound expertise and academic achievements will undoubtedly contribute to the enhancement of security and the preservation of peace across the African continent.
