The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) Commander of Land Forces, Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi, held discussions with his French counterpart, Gen Pierre Schill, focusing on strengthening military cooperation and deepening existing defence relations between the two countries.
The talks took place in Paris on June 17, 2026, on the sidelines of the Eurosatory 2026 defence and security exhibition, one of the world’s largest gatherings for military equipment manufacturers, security experts, and defence officials.
The two officials exchanged views on expanding cooperation between Rwanda and France’s armed forces and consolidating long-standing military relations.
Eurosatory 2026 is being held at Paris Nord Villepinte from June 15 to 19, bringing together more than 2,100 exhibitors from 65 countries and about 330 official delegations from 93 nations. The exhibition showcases over 500 innovations in defence and security technology for land and air forces.
Military cooperation between Rwanda and France has expanded in recent years through structured engagements and training programmes. In May 2026, Maj Gen Pascal Ianni, head of France’s Africa defence cooperation division, visited Rwanda for a three-day working trip, during which he held talks with Defence Minister Juvenal Marizamunda and RDF Chief of Defence Staff Gen Mubarakh Muganga.
In December 2025, Kigali hosted the third session of the Rwanda–France Military Cooperation Commission, co-chaired by Brig Gen Patrick Vaglio on the French side, which agreed to expand training and knowledge-sharing programmes between the two militaries.
In 2024, the two countries signed a renewed security cooperation agreement, which has continued to be implemented and strengthened in 2026, particularly in addressing regional security challenges in the Great Lakes region.
As part of this cooperation, French forces continue to support training programmes in Rwanda’s military institutions, including the RDF Command and Staff College in Musanze and the Gabiro Combat Training Centre.
The two countries also maintain cooperation between intelligence services, focusing on information sharing and joint efforts to counter terrorism and other regional security threats.
