A total of 108 Senior Officers graduated during the ceremony, including 27 officers from friendly countries across Africa and Asia, reflecting the growing regional and international cooperation fostered through Rwanda’s military training institutions.

Addressing the graduating officers, President Kagame emphasized the importance of courage, sound judgment, and purpose in leadership, particularly in complex and uncertain situations faced by military leaders.

“This course was designed to enhance your ability to navigate complex and sometimes, seemingly impossible situations. There are, however, certain qualities that it cannot give you that you must personally cultivate,” President Kagame said.

“The first is courage. You will not always have guarantees, and for some, this can create paralysis. Courage is what enables a leader to act decisively despite uncertainty and competing pressures.”

The President also stressed the importance of judgment as officers take on greater responsibilities within the military and national security structures.

“As your responsibilities increase, so will the consequences of your decisions. Good judgment is developed through experience, collaboration and the humility to learn from mistakes and adjust course when necessary,” he noted.

President Kagame further reminded the officers that military service must always be anchored in a clear national purpose.

“For Rwanda, that purpose is anchored in protecting our people and sovereignty, while advancing the continued transformation of our country,” he said.

The Head of State congratulated the graduates for successfully completing the demanding course, noting that they leave the institution with broader knowledge, sharper strategic awareness, and greater responsibility.

“You arrived here as experienced professionals and are now leaving with broader knowledge, sharper strategic awareness, and greater responsibility,” he told the officers.

President Kagame also paid tribute to the families and friends whose continued support and sacrifices make military service possible, urging the graduates to honor that commitment through discipline, professionalism, and exemplary conduct.

The Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College in Nyakinama has increasingly become a regional center for advanced military education, attracting officers from different African and Asian countries and strengthening military cooperation and professional exchange across the continent and beyond.