Musanze, 9 December 2024.

Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College’s fraternity celebrated the 63rd Independence Day of the United Republic of Tanzania (URT) on 9 December 2024. It worth noting that URT gained Independence from Britain on 9 December 1961, with Mwalimu Julius Nyerere becoming the first president. This year’s celebration was attended by students of Senior Command and Staff Course (SCSC) 13, and the College faculty and staff.

Tanzania is an East African country known for its vast wilderness areas. These include the plains of Serengeti National Park populated by the “big five” (elephant, lion, leopard, buffalo, rhino), and Kilimanjaro National Park, home to Africa’s highest mountain. Offshore lie the tropical islands of Zanzibar, with a marine park home to whale sharks and coral reefs.

On behalf of the rest of the Tanzanian contingent currently at the College, composed of  Lt Col Bahati Mbangwa, a Directing Staff, and Major Chacha Moturi MBARAHE, a student; Major Hafidh MAKAME, a student, addressed the gathering saying “Tanzania is the United Republic where 2 independent and sovereign states of Tanganyika (Tanzania Mainland) and Zanzibar (Tanzania Island) willingly united on 26 April 1964. On behalf of my fellow Tanzanians here present, I wish to pleasantly express our sincere appreciation to the RDF Command and Staff College administration and the leadership of this great Nation for making it possible for us to celebrate this day here at Nyakinama, Musanze. Also, I would like to express our thanks to our sponsors for the support they have given us since we started this course. We shall be grateful to you for this gesture.”

On the other hand, the Commandant, Brig Gen Andrew Nyamvumba, expressed his deep honor in extending a warm welcome to everyone gathered to unite with Major Hafidh MAKAME, Major Chacha Moturi MBARAHE, and Lt Col Bahati MBANGWA in commemorating the independence of their nation. He said… “It is now 63 years since Tanzania began to enjoy their well-earned freedom. Certainly, the Tanzania’s resistance to colonial pressures of all kind inspired many on the African continent and consequently led to independence elsewhere. In the same vein, the historic event of 1967 Arusha Declaration was yet a wake-up call for the spirit of Africanization to the organization of African unity against colonial rule in Africa. It is therefore a privilege and honour for me to preside over this small, in terms of time, but important event as we passionately recognize the Independence Day of Tanzania. Let us together, as one fraternity, congratulate our brothers from Tanzania here on SCSC 13 and the Directing Staff, and wish them a happy Independence Day.”

Other Pictures

Group Photos