Officer cadets from the Rwanda Defence Force Junior Command and Staff College, Intake 26, have commenced a strategic field study tour to deepen their understanding of Rwanda’s liberation struggle led by the Rwandan Patriotic Army.
The three-day tour, running from April 8 to 10, 2026, forms part of an advanced military training program designed to equip future officers with critical knowledge of national history and the conduct of modern warfare.
The study tour began at Kagitumba, a historically significant entry point where RPA forces launched the liberation struggle that would eventually end the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and transform Rwanda’s governance.
At Kagitumba, cadets received high-level briefings from senior Rwanda Defence Force generals and officers who played a direct role in the liberation war, providing first-hand accounts of military strategy, operational challenges, and key battlefield decisions.
The program focuses on in-depth analysis of major battles and tactical operations from the liberation struggle, enabling cadets to draw practical lessons to strengthen their capabilities in military leadership, strategic planning, and mission execution.
Military officials say such field-based learning is critical in shaping a professional and historically grounded force, ensuring that emerging officers are equipped with both the experience and perspective needed to respond effectively to evolving security challenges.
