The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Command and Staff College has introduced a new International Relations and Security Course, marking the start of a series of strategic-level training programmes developed in collaboration with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), according to the Ministry of Defence in Rwanda.
The programme was officially launched this Monday during a ceremony presided over by Maj. Gen. Eugene Nkubito, Commander of the 3rd Division, who represented the Chief of Defence Staff.
Speaking at the event, Maj. Gen. Nkubito described the course as more than an academic initiative, emphasising that it reflects a broader commitment to strengthening leadership and strategic thinking within Rwanda’s security institutions.
In his speech, He noted that investing in advanced training helps prepare leaders to respond effectively to evolving national and regional security challenges.
He explained that such programmes play an important role in developing strategic leadership and improving intellectual preparedness for national and regional security.
Preparing Leaders for Complex Security Challenges
Maj. Gen. Nkubito also highlighted the growing complexity of global security dynamics, pointing to issues such as technological change, transnational threats, and shifting geopolitical landscapes.
According to him, modern security leaders must develop a broader understanding of political, diplomatic, and strategic environments in order to make informed decisions beyond the traditional battlefield context.
He encouraged the first group of participants to take advantage of the programme to expand their knowledge, question assumptions, and establish professional networks that can foster cooperation in addressing shared security concerns.
Strengthening Strategic Skills
The Commandant of the college, Brig. Gen. Andrew Nyamvumba said the course was designed to equip senior professionals with the skills needed to analyse international developments, evaluate strategic risks, and contribute meaningfully to policy discussions and decision-making processes.
Brig. Gen. Nyamvumba noted that the initiative forms part of the Rwanda Defence Force’s broader efforts to strengthen professional military education and develop capable strategic leaders.
He also commended the partnership with UNITAR, stressing that collaboration between security institutions, international organisations, and academic institutions plays an important role in preparing leaders to address modern security challenges.
Participants from Multiple Security Institutions
The newly introduced course will run for 30 days and has attracted 25 participants drawn from several national security institutions, including the Rwanda National Police, the National Intelligence and Security Service, and the Rwanda Correctional Service.
Officials from academic institutions such as Euclid University and the University of Rwanda, as well as other higher learning institutions, also attended the launch event, reflecting growing cooperation between the security and academic sectors in developing strategic expertise.
The introduction of the course signals continued efforts by the RDF Command and Staff College to expand advanced training opportunities and enhance the capacity of senior professionals to navigate complex international security environments.
