Rwanda has opened the inaugural course of its National Defence College–Rwanda (NDC-R), marking the start of a new strategic-level military education programme within the country’s defence and security architecture.
Minister of Defence Juvenal Marizamunda officially opened NDC-R Course 1-26/27 on September 26 at the college’s Bumbogo Campus, welcoming the pioneer cohort, Senior Directing Staff and civilian faculty who will oversee the 11-month programme.
Marizamunda described the launch as a milestone in Rwanda’s professional military education system. He said strategic leadership requires an understanding that extends beyond tactical and operational warfare to include national objectives and the coordination of military, economic, diplomatic and informational instruments in safeguarding national interests.
The minister urged participants to treat their selection as a responsibility rather than an award, encouraging them to engage in critical thinking, intellectual debate and research while developing the strategic vision expected of senior leaders.
The NDC-R is a constituent institution of the National Defence University-Rwanda (NDU-R) and was established following a directive by President Paul Kagame, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force. Its mandate is to provide education and training at the strategic level.
The new college forms part of Rwanda’s broader efforts to strengthen professional military education. Earlier this year, the RDF Command and Staff College launched a strategic-level International Relations and Security Course in partnership with the United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR), bringing together participants from Rwanda’s defence, police, intelligence and correctional institutions.
Rwanda has also been expanding international exchanges in military education. In September, a delegation from Ghana’s National Defence College visited Rwanda for an experiential research programme focused on national security, professional military education and institutional development.
The inaugural NDC-R course is expected to provide senior professionals with a platform to deepen strategic analysis, leadership and policy-oriented thinking as Rwanda continues to develop its defence and security institutions.
