African militaries should remain committed to sharing knowledge and training in innovations that could enable them to effectively deal with contemporary security challenges. Maj. Gen. Jacques Musemakweli, the Army Chief of Staff of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF), made the remarks on Tuesday, in Kigali at the closure of a two-day workshop which was organised by the Africa Centre for Strategic Studies (ACSS) and RDF. Nearly 100 military and civilian delegates from across Africa attended the workshop dedicated to the improvement of the quality of African professional military education (PME). The second Annual Africa Military Education Programme (AMEP) workshop was designed to bolster the performance of selected African PME institutions through strategic investments in human and institutional capacity. Musemakweli said, “Since our training courses are not static, I am sure that we will continually evolve to meet new development needs. We should remain committed to sharing knowledge and training in innovations that could enable African militaries to effectively deal with contemporary security challenges. “Whereas the importance and the relevance of strategic investments in human and institutional capability are acknowledged, the greater challenge lies in military institutions to translate the resolutions of this workshop into concrete benefits for the betterment of our respective countries,” he added. Amb.Erica Barks-Ruggles, the United States envoy to Rwanda, said ‘‘Through this workshop and our military relationships, we are reinforcing our partnership with Africa, emphasising on African capability to improve Africa’s security.” Amb. Barks-Ruggles said she hoped that, through such events, ‘‘we will continue to pay dividends “as we continue to come together, share what’s working, what needs to be improved, and identify the gaps for the future.’’ Musemakweli, expressed “deep gratitude” to the US government for offering tremendous assistance and support to African militaries. The inaugural AMEP workshop, held in Washington, D.C., last year, reviewed progress, highlighted key lessons for future programme development and helped inform defence institution strengthening in Africa. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
