A delegation of 30 senior officers from the Namibian Military School is in Rwanda for a week-long study tour aimed at strengthening military cooperation and sharing experiences on Rwanda’s development of its defence, security and governance institutions.
The delegation is led by the Commandant of the Namibian Military School, Brig Gen Erastus Benhard Nathinge.
On September 15, the officers visited the headquarters of Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence, where they received a briefing on the evolution and transformation of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).
The briefing was delivered by the Director General for International Military Cooperation and RDF spokesperson, Brig Gen Patrick Karuretwa, together with Brig Gen Louis Kanobayire, who oversees training and education in the RDF.
The briefing highlighted the RDF’s transformation from a force that liberated the country into a professional military that contributes to national development, regional peacekeeping and international security.
Brig Gen Karuretwa said Rwanda and Namibia maintain strong military relations and that the visit provides an opportunity for the two countries to exchange experiences, particularly in military training.
Brig Gen Nathinge said the delegation’s main objective was to share experiences and strengthen the existing relationship between the two countries. He said the relationship was further strengthened by President Paul Kagame’s visit to Namibia in 2019.
He added that the armed forces of the two countries cooperate in military training and participate in international peacekeeping operations.
The Namibian officers also visited the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where they paid tribute to victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. They also visited the Campaign Against Genocide Museum, which documents the history of efforts to stop the genocide.
As part of the study tour, the delegation is also expected to visit the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College, military welfare institutions including Zigama CSS and MMI, and various government institutions.
