The Ministry of Defence and Rwanda Defence Force (MoD/RDF) Headquarters recently hosted thirty Defence Attachés (DA) and associates accredited to Rwanda, along with guest delegates, for a Quarterly Security Briefing.
The event, held at the MoD/RDF Headquarters in Kimihurura, aimed to facilitate dialogue, enhance cooperation, and provide updates on security matters.
Representatives from twenty-four countries participated in the briefing, reflecting the diverse international engagement with Rwanda’s defence sector. Countries represented included Algeria, Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Japan, Jordan, Kenya, Namibia, The Netherlands, Poland, Republic of Korea, Russia, Sweden, Türkiye, Uganda, United Kingdom, USA, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Additionally, delegates from the European Union Commission, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF) were in attendance, underscoring the event’s significance.
Brigadier General Patrick Karuretwa, the Director General of International Military Cooperation at the Ministry of Defence, extended a warm welcome to the DAs and emphasized the importance of such engagements in fostering defence cooperation and mutual understanding. He underscored the evolving security landscape and the necessity for continuous dialogue to address emerging challenges effectively.
The briefing covered various key topics, including recent legislative changes affecting the RDF and updates on its organizational structure.
Participants received insights into both internal and external security situations, with a particular focus on RDF operations in Mozambique and the Central African Republic (CAR).
The presentations provided a comprehensive overview of ongoing developments and strategic priorities within Rwanda’s defence sector.
Throughout the session, attendees had the opportunity to pose questions and seek clarifications, facilitating an interactive exchange of views and perspectives. Discussions primarily centered on regional security dynamics, highlighting the interconnected nature of security challenges in the East African region and beyond.
The Quarterly Security Briefing serves as a vital platform for fostering closer ties between Rwanda and its international partners, promoting information sharing, and strengthening collective efforts to address common security threats.
By convening defence stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, Rwanda reaffirms its commitment to proactive engagement and collaboration in pursuit of peace and stability regionally and globally.
The event concluded with expressions of appreciation from participants for the insightful briefings and fruitful discussions.
Looking ahead, the MoD/RDF remains committed to facilitating continued dialogue and cooperation with its international counterparts to address evolving security challenges effectively.
