A delegation comprising 20 faculty members and student officers from Bangladesh National Defence College, led by Brigadier General Sazedul Islam, paid an official visit to the headquarters of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) on September 10. This visit was part of a broader initiative aimed at fostering collaboration and exchanging insights on military education and strategy between the armed forces of Bangladesh and Rwanda. Upon their arrival, the delegation was warmly welcomed by the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, General Mubarakh Muganga. During his address, Gen Muganga highlighted the deepening ties between the two countries and underscored the RDF’s transformative journey.
In his remarks, Gen Muganga reflected on Rwanda’s evolution from the dark days of its troubled past to its present-day military strength and stability. He spoke passionately about the RDF’s resilience and ongoing commitment to building a robust and progressive defense force. “We have all that a student wishes to have. The bad days are gone, but of course, they left a mark; it’s a revolution, and it doesn’t stop,” he emphasized. This sentiment captures the RDF’s remarkable rise from a period of intense internal conflict and the challenges of post-genocide recovery to becoming a modern, well-equipped military force that is actively engaged in regional peacekeeping and security initiatives.
Earlier in June 2024, Gen Muganga had undertaken a significant working visit to Bangladesh, at the invitation of the Bangladesh Army’s Chief of Staff. The three-day visit, which took place from June 12 to 15, was focused on enhancing military cooperation between the two nations. During his time in Bangladesh, Gen Muganga engaged in high-level discussions with military leaders to explore avenues for strengthening bilateral defense ties and deepening cooperation in areas such as training, technology exchange, and regional security. Both countries have shown a keen interest in leveraging their shared experiences to boost mutual capabilities, making military collaboration a cornerstone of their growing partnership.
The current delegation from Bangladesh, during their visit to Rwanda, was also briefed by key RDF personnel, including Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga, spokesperson of the RDF, and Colonel Stanislas Gashugi. These briefings provided the delegation with a comprehensive understanding of RDF’s advancements, regional security dynamics, and Rwanda’s strategic priorities in maintaining peace and stability within its borders and in the broader East African region. The RDF’s achievements, particularly in areas such as peacekeeping, counterterrorism, and professional military education, were highlighted as areas where both nations could continue to learn from one another.
Brig Gen Sazedul Islam highlighted Rwanda’s military progress and its broader development trajectory. He noted, “We are here to share professional military education. Rwanda is moving in the right direction.” His statement reflects a shared commitment to learning and collaboration, as both countries seek to build strong, capable defense forces that can address the unique security challenges of their respective regions.
The week-long study tour undertaken by the Bangladeshi delegation was designed to offer a comprehensive overview of Rwanda’s military institutions and its historical experiences. As part of their itinerary, the delegation visited several key sites that hold significant importance in Rwanda’s history and military development. One of the most poignant stops on their tour was the Kigali Genocide Memorial, where they paid tribute to the victims of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. This visit served as a stark reminder of the atrocities that Rwanda has overcome and the pivotal role that the RDF has played in rebuilding the nation in the aftermath of the genocide.
The delegation visited the Campaign Against Genocide Museum, which chronicles the RDF’s efforts in stopping the genocide and the military’s role in stabilizing and securing the country in the years that followed. These visits offered the Bangladeshi delegation an opportunity to reflect on the lessons from Rwanda’s past and its relevance to contemporary military strategy and nation-building efforts.
The study tour also included visits to various RDF institutions that are central to Rwanda’s military education and training infrastructure. Among the most notable institutions visited was the Command and Staff College in Nyakinama, where senior military officers are trained in advanced command and leadership skills. The college plays a vital role in shaping the future leaders of Rwanda’s military, and the visit allowed the Bangladeshi delegation to engage in discussions on curriculum development, leadership training, and the importance of military professionalism in the modern era.
This exchange of ideas and experiences between the Bangladesh National Defence College and the RDF is emblematic of the growing partnership between Bangladesh and Rwanda. Both nations have faced significant challenges in their respective histories, yet they have emerged as resilient, forward-looking states that place a strong emphasis on peace, security, and development. Military cooperation, especially in the field of education and training, has become a vital aspect of their bilateral relationship, allowing them to share expertise and bolster their capabilities in addressing regional and global security challenges.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, the importance of such military partnerships cannot be overstated. Both Bangladesh and Rwanda are active participants in regional peacekeeping efforts, and their collaboration in military education and defense strategy is likely to enhance their roles as stabilizing forces in their respective regions. The visit of the Bangladeshi delegation to Rwanda underscores the value of such exchanges in building mutual understanding, trust, and cooperation between nations that are committed to peace and security.
The visit of the Bangladesh National Defence College delegation to Rwanda is a significant milestone in the growing relationship between the two countries’ armed forces. Through shared learning, mutual respect, and a commitment to professional military education, both Bangladesh and Rwanda are forging a path toward greater collaboration and partnership in addressing the security challenges of the 21st century.
– Syed Raiyan Amir is a Senior Research Associate at the KRF Center for Bangladesh and Global Affairs (CBGA).
