President Kagame Urges Newly Commissioned Officers to Promote National Development

By Elias Hakizimana.

KIGALI, October 3, 2025 – President Paul Kagame, Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), has called on 1,029 newly commissioned officers to dedicate themselves to advancing Rwanda and its citizens.

Speaking during their graduation ceremony, President Kagame emphasized the importance of peace and security as a national duty. “As new officers, you have the responsibility to protect Rwanda and its people. Your duty remains the same whether the population is one million or fourteen million: ensure the country’s security and safeguard its citizens,” he said.

The President noted that Rwanda has spent the past 31 years building peace, security, and coexistence among its citizens while maintaining good relations with other nations. He urged the new officers to uphold integrity, dedication, and a positive mindset to contribute to national development.

President Kagame also praised the officers for their resilience during the rigorous training and thanked their instructors for preparing them to fulfill their duties. He acknowledged the role of partner countries in supporting the training programs and commended families for their support in guiding the graduates toward military careers.

The ceremony coincided with the 25th anniversary of Gako Military Academy in Bugesera District, which has trained senior military officers over the years.

President Kagame’s message underscores the crucial role of the RDF in ensuring Rwanda’s security and fostering long-term peace and development.