IREBERE UBURYO PEREZIDA PAUL KAGAME YAHEMBYE ABASIRIKARE BAHIZE ABANDI MU ISHURI RYA NYAKINAMA

🎥 Jun 08, 2026 📺 CONNECTION TV ⏱ 39m 👁 19525 views

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About Paul Kagame

In June 2026, Kagame presided over the 14th graduation ceremony of the senior command and staff course at the Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College. In his address, he told graduating officers that the RDF's standing "has been built over many years through dedicated service, discipline and professionalism." He urged them to cultivate courage, judgment, and purpose, stating that purpose "is anchored in protecting our people and sovereignty while advancing the continued transformation of our country." Earlier, in May, Kagame spoke at the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa (NEISA) in Kigali, where he said Rwanda intends to have nuclear energy operational by the early 2030s and described small modular reactors as "the most practical way forward" for many African countries. He also participated in a fireside chat at the Basketball Africa League Investor Day, where he said that Africans "must be able to say no" to being exploited and that the continent's tragic history "woke us up" to the need for self-reliance. Kagame also marked 20 years of partnership with Oklahoma Christian University, noting that over 700 alumni of the program now serve in strategic leadership positions in Rwanda. He traveled to Botswana, where he and President Duma Boko witnessed the signing of six bilateral agreements, including a double taxation avoidance agreement. In a speech at the World Policy Conference, Kagame called attention to the war in the Middle East, saying the situation "is very bad and the big powers need to quickly find a solution." He also spoke at a genocide memorial event in Paris, where he stated that "the main responsibility for the genocide is located within our own society as Rwandans" and acknowledged that France "could have stopped the genocide, but did not."

Source: AI-verified profile updated from Paul Kagame's recent appearances. Browse all interviews →

Transcript (14 segments)

✨ AI-enhanced transcript with speaker attribution

Brigadier General Inosamango0:00

President of the Republic of Rwanda and Commander in Chief of Rwanda Defense Force.

Your Excellency, we will remain standing for the national anthem.

Heat. Heat.

You may be seated.

Your Excellency, the President of the Republic of Rwanda and Commander-in-Chief of Rwanda Defense Force. Distinguished invited guests, ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon and welcome to the 14th graduation ceremony of the senior command and staff course at the RDF command and staff college. I am Brigadier General Inosamango, the master of ceremonies for today's event. Your Excellency, with your permission I would like to give the highlights of today's program. We will start shortly with the opening remarks by the college commandant, followed by awarding of certificates to the graduates and issuance of awards to the best performers by Your Excellency. This will be followed by the keynote address by Your Excellency. The rest of the program will be communicated as activities unfold. Your Excellency, permit me to invite the commandant of the RDF command and staff college to give his welcome remarks.

Commandant3:22

Your Excellency, the President of the Republic of Rwanda and the Commanding Chief of the RDF and our guest of honor, sir, honorable ministers and senior leaders and government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, the RDF chief of defense staff, leaders of sister security organs, the governor of Northern Province, general, senior officers of the RDF and sister security organs, the mayor of Musanza district, distinguished members of the faculty and leaders of other academic institutions here with us. Cherished spouses and families of our graduating cohort, student officers of senior command and staff course intake 14. Ladies and gentlemen, all protocols observed. Good afternoon and welcome to the RDF command and staff college. It is with profound honor and privilege that I stand before you today as we celebrate the graduation of senior command and staff course intake 14. These officers arrived 46 weeks ago as promising military professionals. Today they leave as refined operational-level commanders and staff officers at the strategic level, ready to serve their nations and contribute to international peace and security. Your Excellency, before I proceed, permit me to acknowledge with gratitude the presence of distinguished colleges who have been represented from East African community by their commandants and one of the defense attaches. Allow me to recognize Major General Stephan Mande, the commandant of Tanzania People's Defense Force Command and Staff College, Duluti, United Republic of Tanzania. Brigadier General Michael Kawango, the commandant of Uganda People's Defense Force Command and Staff College, Kimaka, Uganda. Colonel Morris Miner representing the commandant of the Kenya Defense Force Command and Staff College, Karen, Kenya. Your presence here with us is a powerful testament to the spirit of regional military cooperation that binds our colleges and nations by extension. Thank you, Generals and Colonel, for standing with us today. Your Excellency, this course officially commenced on 21st July 2025 and brought together 110 student officers, among them four female officers. This cohort comprises officers from Rwanda and 19 allied countries, namely Benin, Botswana, Burkina Faso, Central Africa Republic, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, the Kingdom of Jordan, Kenya, Malawi, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Senegal, South Sudan, Somalia, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. Unfortunately, two officers were not able to finish the course due to various reasons, making the graduating cohort number today 108. This growing diversity reflects our expanding partnerships and provides invaluable opportunities for mutual learning, professional military cooperation, and strengthened regional and international security. Throughout this rigorous program, our graduates have mastered combined joint task force operations, multinational planning, operational art and strategic level leadership. They have excelled in academic research, tactical decision-making exercises and peace support operations, supported by our faculty and visiting experts along with civilian academic partners such as the University of Rwanda, the Rwanda Peace Academy, United Nations Institute of Training and Research. This cohort has met the highest standards of military education. The eligible officers have also earned a Master of Arts in Security Studies, a testament to the intellectual depth of this course. To the graduating officers, you have demonstrated exceptional discipline, resilience, and moral courage. Your performance is a credit to this institution and your nations. As you return to your respective defense forces, lead with integrity, think strategically, and act with humility. Your mission now is to apply what you have learned to safeguard peace and spare those who will follow in your footsteps. To our allied student officers, I want to say a deeply heartfelt thank you. Thank you for making this college your home and for generously sharing your unique experiences, cultures and perspectives. Your Excellency, I must also pay a well-deserved tribute to the hardworking faculty. Thank you for your relentless mentorship, your unyielding professionalism, and your absolute dedication. Through your sharp instruction, these senior officers have not only been sharpened intellectually, but they have also been morally equipped with attitude, fortitude, and strategic foresight, all essential to lead in today's unpredictable security environment. You have molded the protectors of tomorrow. And with that, I thank you. To our partners and families, our heartfelt thanks go to the University of Rwanda for academic support, to our peace support operational partners, Rwanda Peace Academy, and most importantly to the families and loved ones who supported these officers through the long months of separation. Your sacrifice has not gone unnoticed. In closing, Your Excellency, I would like to thank the RDF leadership for their continued vision, guidance and unwavering support which has transformed this college into a modern digital-enabled institution of excellence. Finally, graduates, go forth and serve with wisdom, courage, and honor. Congratulations and may your future assignments be marked by success and distinguished service. Your Excellency, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, you are once again welcomed to the Rwanda Defense Force Command and Staff College and your presence will make this event a memorable one. Thank you, Your Excellency.

Brigadier General Inosamango10:43

Thank you, sir. Your Excellency, the next item on the program is awarding certificates to the graduates. The graduates will march to the saluting stand, pay compliment to the Commander-in-Chief, pick their certificates and return to their seats. With your permission, Your Excellency, I will now read out the names of the graduates.

Lieutenant Colonel John Kakoza from Rwanda Defense Force. Lieutenant Colonel Sam Jongo Kitar from Rwanda Defense Force. Lieutenant Colonel Emir Jana from Rwanda Defense Force. Lieutenant Colonel Gabrielle from Ethiopian National Defense. Lieutenant Colonel Federizuti from Rwanda Defense Force. Lieutenant Colonel Justin Utagaramba from Rwanda Defense Force. Lieutenant Colonel Benon Mutagan from Rwanda Defense Force. Lieutenant Albert Kashinga from Zambia Defense Force. Lieutenant Patrick Neil Lante Anang from Ghana Armed Forces. Lieutenant Colonel Walter Kajera from Rwanda Defense Force. Lieutenant Jean Vier from Rwanda Defense Force. Lieutenant from Zambia Defense Force. Lieutenant Colonel Jeanier Manua from Rwanda Defense Force. Lieutenant from Rwanda Defense Force. Lieutenant Colonel Dr. James Figgy Jana from Rwanda Defense Force. Lieutenant Alfred Cabandana from Rwanda Defense Force. Lieutenant Colonel Anas al-Zubi from Jordanian Armed Forces. Lieutenant Colonel Janet Mabinura from Rwanda Defense Force. Lieutenant Colonel Joffrey Katea from Rwanda Defense Force. Lieutenant Colonel Sahara Mutabazi from Rwanda Defense Force. Lieutenant Colonel Dr. Jamariv Hop from Rwanda Defense Force. Lieutenant Colonel Eric Wanyama from Kenya Defense Force. Lieutenant Colonel Simon Dungu from Kenya Defense Force. Lieutenant Pabaruhinda from Uganda People's Defense Forces. Major Gutak Ahmed Abdu from Uganda People's Defense Forces. Major Emir Karasira from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Paul Chimonges Khali from Uganda People's Defense Forces. Major Eve Murik from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Inosan Kamanzi from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Steven Ruel Dor from South Sudan People's Defense Forces. Major Emmanuel Musingi from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Ajang Madwok Aot from South Sudan People's Defense Forces. Major from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Alonsa from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Kelly Samua from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Jean Claude Rousenigo from Rwanda Defense Force. Major William John Uroki from Tanzania People's Defense Force. Major Inosan Yongabo from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Hashim Abdullah Msuya from Tanzania People's Defense Force. Major Eric Habujisha from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Mike Alex Gizlang Gigi from Burkina Faso Armed Forces. Major Ibrahim Ali Omar from Somalia Armed Forces. Major Jeamboski Mana from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Muhammad Mir from Somalia Armed Forces. Major Pacific Mjanza from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Vent Kavusana from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Alons Mirasano from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Moses Gahua from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Adatus from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Abdullah Kasumite from Mali Armed Forces. Major Jean Claude Hijiro from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Victor Karanga from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Fred Kim from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Corden from Senegal Armed Forces. Major Samuel Nihungu from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Daniel Dushimir from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Emanuel Karanga from Rwanda Defense Force. Squadron Leader Yu Yakubu Ami from Nigerian Armed Forces. Major Moses Gate from Rwanda Defense Force. Squadron Leader Levi Tobe Amakata from Nigerian Armed Forces. Major Jeoai from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Andrew Mohik from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Habibu Alio Midia from Niger Armed Forces. Major Mangab from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Ningabo from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Tobias Muple from Malawi Defense Force. Major Jean Mugabo from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Benoga from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Dian from Rwanda Defense Force. Major John Shaka from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Ephraim Sano from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Franueneza from Rwanda Defense Force. Major John Kami from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Precious Mokosi from Botswana Defense Force. Major Pamfield Kabokeoto from Benin Armed Forces. Major John Claude Merahizi from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Tan Shusho from Rwanda Defense Force. Major John Abimman Kamanzi from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Fred Wana from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Ed Martin from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Jeambosa from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Godfrey from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Isidor Muana from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Morita from Guinea Armed Forces. Major Ilon Shimi Mana from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Eric Nagan from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Amya from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Jean Bernard Aisiman from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Gasar from Rwanda Defense Force. Major David Mugisha from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Michaela from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Hijir from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Shast Gaguay from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Christian Habima from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Golbart Saniera from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Venang Garambe from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Pro Musi from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Godfrey Moi from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Angelik Akamza from Rwanda Defense Force and Major Charles Akayu from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Stanley Mutaw from Rwanda Defense Force. Major Francis Maria Betangi from Central African Armed Forces. Major Deosima from Rwanda Defense Force. Superintendent of Police Richard Gatera from Rwanda National Police. Superintendent of Police Shaka from Rwanda National Police. Senior Superintendent Daniel Rafiki Kawanguka from Rwanda Correctional Service. Senior Superintendent Eric Mongura from Rwanda Correctional Service and Superintendent Bibban Mi from Rwanda Correctional Service.

Your Excellency, it is a tradition of this college to reward students who distinguished themselves during the course. Three awards will be given to the best performers. These are the third, second and overall best student awards. The third best student is Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Neil Lante from Ghana Armed Forces. Step forward. Lieutenant Colonel Lante will be awarded a prize as the student who is placed third in the order of merit on the course. The second best student is Lieutenant Colonel Simon Dungum Wua from Kenya Defense Forces. Step forward. Lieutenant Colonel Simon Dungum Wua will be awarded a prize as the student who is placed second in order of merit on the course. The overall best student for the 14th senior command and staff course held at the RDF command and staff college in Musanze, Kinihira is Lieutenant Colonel Walter Kajeruka from Rwanda Defense Force. Step forward. Lieutenant Colonel Kajeruka will be awarded a prize as the student who is placed first in the order of merit on the course. He is also the student whose college research paper was judged the best on the course. His paper is titled 'Assessing the Development of an Integrated Counter Unmanned Aerial System Network to Counter the Drone Threat in Rwanda.' Lieutenant Colonel Kajeruka also won the African Conference of Commandants Meritorious Award. Lieutenant Colonel Kajeruka demonstrated outstanding leadership qualities in different capacities. He manifested exceptional professional knowledge, great team spirit and radiated confidence which inspired his colleagues throughout the period of the course. Your Excellency, may I respectfully request you to present the gifts to these best performers. We will start with the third best student, Lieutenant Colonel Patrick Neil Lante from Ghana Armed Forces. Please step forward to receive your award. Next is the second best student, Lieutenant Colonel Simon Dungua from Kenya Defense Forces. Please step forward to receive your award. The final award is to the overall best student, Lieutenant Colonel Walter Kajeruka from Rwanda Defense Force. Please step forward to receive your award.

Thank you very much, Your Excellency. You may take your seat.

It is now my honor to invite Your Excellency to give your keynote address. Thank you, Your Excellency. Please be seated.

Paul Kagame30:15

Senior government officials, leaders of defense and security institutions, commandants from partner colleges in East Africa, graduating senior officers, families and friends, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon to you all. I'm very pleased to join you today and I congratulate those who have completed the senior command and staff college course. You arrived here as experienced professionals and are now leaving with broader knowledge, sharper strategic awareness and greater responsibility. I want to acknowledge and thank your families and friends. They share the burdens of military service and your conduct should always honor their sacrifices and support. I also thank the faculty for their dedication and the RDF leadership for ensuring that this college is equipped to uphold the highest standards of excellence. This cohort brings together officers from the RDF and from partner and allied countries across the region and beyond. I thank them for being good partners and friends and joining us for the good conduct and completion of this course. The value of the connections that you have made here cannot be overstated. When officers who trained together meet in operations, regional engagements or moments of crisis, they already possess an understanding that strengthens cooperation. This course was designed to enhance your ability to navigate complex and sometimes seemingly impossible situations. There are however certain qualities that cannot be given to you, that you must personally cultivate. The first is courage. You will not always have guarantees and for some this can create paralysis. Courage is what enables a leader to act decisively despite uncertainty and competing pressures. The second is judgment. As your responsibilities increase, so will the consequences of your decisions. Good judgment is developed through experience, collaboration and the humility to learn from mistakes and adjust course when necessary. The third is purpose, which comes from knowing precisely what you are fighting for. That purpose is anchored in protecting our people and sovereignty while advancing the continued transformation of our country. The question before you now is not whether you can lead, but how you lead. These three qualities must be demonstrated and renewed every day. The current standing of the RDF does not exist by default. It has been built over many years through dedicated service, discipline and professionalism. This is what has earned the trust of our citizens, partners and those alongside whom our forces operate. That responsibility now extends more directly to you. The environment in which you serve will continue to evolve with new technologies and threats that demand constant adaptation. The choices you make from this point forward will influence not only operations but also the culture, standards and effectiveness of the institutions entrusted to you. You must lead with integrity and never stop learning and improving. Once again, congratulations on this milestone. I wish you success in your duties and all the best to your families and for those allied friends, the best to your people and countries. I thank you very much.

Brigadier General Inosamango39:17

Thank you, Your Excellency, for your inspiring words. You may take your seat. Your Excellency, this concludes the graduation ceremony here at the graduation square.