Musanze, 13 October 2023

Thirty-eight officers of the ranks of Major and Captain, including 3 female officers, of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and two officers of the rank Superintendent of Police and of Chief Inspector of Police (RNP) successfully completed a Junior Command and Staff Course Intake Twenty one (21/23). The ceremony took place at the RDF Command and Staff College in Nyakinama, Musanze District. The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Army Chief of Staff, Maj Gen V NYAKARUNDI presided over the graduation ceremony

In his remarks, the RDF Army Chief of Staff congratulated the graduating officers for successfully completing the course noting that the course equipped the graduates with the required competencies as they now have the fundamentals in military planning and conduct of operations, the knowledge and changing character of national security interest as well as the understanding of regional and global security challenge .He expressed his confidence that the course has equipped graduates with necessary skills, knowledge and attitudes to be forward looking and problem- solving leaders. “I have no doubt that each of you officers graduating today comes as timely reinforcement”. ‘he said’
He urged graduates to arise to the great challenge of building defence forces and ultimately a country that we all deserve. The ACOS emphasized on the Commander-in- Chief’s message that “RDF is the foundation of National Transformation”.

The RDF Command and Staff College Commandant, Brig Gen A NYAMVUMBA highlighted that the JCSC lasted for 21 weeks divided into 2 terms. The first term mainly covered Routine & Operational Staff Work, Land Operations; Force Organization & Capabilities while the second term covered Stability Operations, Operations in Specific Environment, Leadership, Command and Management, National and International Affairs, Training of the Force and several indoor and outdoor training exercises. The Commandant commended the high standards of discipline, team work and commitment demonstrated by the graduates. “We are honored and proud to announce that all the 38 graduating officers have met the courses objective successfully”, he said. The commandant urged the graduates to remain with the same zeal of hard work, discipline, commitment, good personal conduct and attitude.

The overall best student of the Graduating Class (JCSC 21) was Capt Alain NSABIMANA while Maj Rowland Mark KAMANZI KALISA became the second overall best student and received the best Commandant’s Research Paper award as well.

JCSC 21 ran from 30 May to 13 October 2023. The Junior Command and Staff Course aims at preparing selected officers for Grade 3 Staff appointments, command appointments at mid-tactical level of war and, after further experience, for Senior Command and Staff Course training.

The Commandant Brig Gen A NYAMVUMBA giving his remarks

The ACOS, Maj Gen V NYAKARUNDI ACOS, giving his keynote address

The overall best student Capt Alain Paul NSABIMANA, receiving his award

Maj Rowland Mark KAMANZI KALISA the second overall best student and the best Commandant Research Paper, receiving his award