ACOS arrival at the ceremony.

Musanze, 22 March 2024

Seventy-two officers from RDF of the ranks of Lieutenant Colonel, Major, and captain, two officers from RNP of the ranks of Chief Inspector of Police, and two from RCS of the ranks of Superintended of Prison, including 4 female officers, successfully completed a junior command and the staff course intake twenty-two (22/24). 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 On behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, the Army Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Vincent NYAKARUNDI congratulated and underscored the course's significance in enabling them to contribute to the country's transformation and fulfill their duties.

“You need to understand the increasingly complex issues in our operating environment. I am confident that this course has equipped each of you with the necessary skills, knowledge, and attitude. I do not doubt that each of you who graduated today comes as a timely reinforcement, bringing fresh energy and ideas to renew our sense of urgency and boost the resilience required to prove our enemies wrong,” said Maj Gen NYAKARUNDI.

The pass-out ceremony was graced by Generals and senior officers from the RDF and Police. It was attended by the spouses, parents, friends, and relatives of the graduates, as well as religious leaders and local authorities from the Northern Province.

The RDF Command and Staff College Commandant, Brig Gen A. NYAMVUMBA highlighted that the JCSC 22 lasted for 20 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 Environments, 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, teamwork, and commitment demonstrated by the graduates. “We are honored and proud to announce that all the 76 graduating officers have successfully met the course objectives, achieved the desired end state, and are ready for their assignments”, he said.

The commandant urged the graduates to remain with the same zeal of hard work, discipline, commitment, good personal conduct, and attitude.

Awards were presented to graduates who excelled in various facets of the course. The overall best student of the Graduating Class (JCSC 22) was Captain Alexander Ikuzo Abiya who also got the best college research paper award, while Major Eric Karamage took the second place award.

The Commandant Brig Gen A. NYAMVUMBA giving his remarks.

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

The overall best student and the best Commandant Research Paper Capt Alexander Ikuzo Abiya, receiving his award.

Maj Eric Karamage the second overall best student, receiving his award.