The Head of State told the graduates that the trust enjoyed by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) among Rwandans and international partners did not emerge by chance, but was built over many years through dedication, discipline, and professionalism. He urged the officers to uphold and strengthen those values.
President Kagame made the remarks while presiding over the graduation ceremony for the officers who had completed the 46-week course at the RDF Command and Staff College.
The participants came from Rwanda, Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, Somalia, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia, and Jordan.
President Kagame encouraged the officers to remain guided by a sense of purpose, which he described as a core value that has enabled the Rwanda Defence Force to earn the confidence of the population.
He congratulated the graduates, noting that although they had arrived at the college as experienced professionals, they were leaving with broader knowledge and greater responsibilities.
“You came here as experienced professionals, and now you leave with expanded knowledge […] and greater responsibilities,” he said.
The President also expressed gratitude to the families and friends of the graduates, acknowledging that they share the burden and sacrifices associated with military service.
He commended the RDF leadership for continuously working to ensure that the college is equipped with modern facilities that enable it to deliver high-quality training.
“When officers are trained together and later meet in various operations, regional discussions, or times of crisis, they develop a mindset that promotes cooperation,” President Kagame said.
He explained that the programme was designed to sharpen participants’ ability to address complex challenges that may sometimes appear impossible to overcome.
The President stressed that as the officers take on higher responsibilities, they must demonstrate careful judgment, as the consequences of their decisions become increasingly significant.
“Sound decision-making is built through experience, collaboration, and humility — by learning from mistakes and correcting them,” he said.
President Kagame further urged the graduates to remain guided by a clear purpose rooted in understanding what they are striving to achieve.
“For Rwanda, that purpose is based on protecting our people and safeguarding our sovereignty while continuing to accelerate our country’s development,” he stated.
The Head of State said that the real challenge facing the graduates was not simply leading others, but how they choose to lead, emphasizing that leadership qualities must be nurtured and strengthened every day.
“The position RDF occupies today did not happen by accident. It was built over many years through dedicated service, discipline, and professionalism. These are the values that have earned the trust of our citizens and our partners wherever our forces operate. Those responsibilities now rest with you as well,” he said.
President Kagame also reminded the officers that the institutions they serve in will continue evolving alongside advances in technology, while new challenges will inevitably emerge.
“The choices you make from this point forward will shape not only operations, but also the culture, standards, and effectiveness of the institutions that have placed their trust in you,” he said.
He concluded by encouraging the graduates to continue serving with integrity, while remaining committed to lifelong learning and professional growth.
President Paul Kagame also awarded certificates of excellence to the three best-performing students among 108 senior military officers.
Photos by RBA
