Two hundred and fifty-four officers and Other ranks from the Central African Republic Armed Forces (FACA) have completed a 6-month Basic Special Operations Force Training Course, Intake 02/2026, conducted by Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) at the RDF Basic Military Training Centre, Nasho, in Kirehe District. The course aimed to enhance the operational capabilities of FACA personnel through intensive military training.
The graduation ceremony was presided over by the RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen MK MUBARAKH, alongside the Chief of General Staff of the FACA, Gen Zephirin MAMADOU. Generals and Senior officers from both forces attended the ceremony to witness this milestone. Gen MUBARAKH congratulated the graduates on successfully completing the rigorous 6-month training course and commended their commitment, discipline, resilience, and determination.
The RDF Chief of Defence Staff encouraged the graduates to uphold the professional standards they had acquired, serve their country with dedication, and apply their newly acquired capabilities responsibly. He reaffirmed the RDF’s commitment to sharing its experience and expertise with friendly armed forces as part of collective efforts to promote peace, security, and stability across the African continent.
Gen MAMADOU, the FACA Chief of General Staff, expressed his sincere appreciation to the Government of Rwanda, the RDF leadership, and the instructors for their commitment, professionalism, and dedication throughout the training period. He emphasised that the skills, discipline, and knowledge acquired by their personnel would enhance their ability to fulfil their duties effectively and contribute to the security and stability of the Central African Republic.
During the 6-month Basic Special Operations Force Training Course, the trainees acquired advanced tactical skills essential for special operations. These included marksmanship with small arms and support weapons, hand-to-hand combat, river and water crossing, military map reading, and Heliborne operations, among other specialised skills.
Second Lieutenant Christ NGBOUNDOUROU, one of the graduates, reaffirmed his commitment to putting the skills acquired in Rwanda into practice to defend his country and the people of the Central African Republic. The graduation marks an important milestone in the professional development of FACA personnel and underscores the longstanding defence cooperation between Rwanda and the Central African Republic.
The longstanding defence cooperation between Rwanda and the Central African Republic focuses on military training, capacity-building, and professional development. This cooperation aims to promote peace, security, and stability in the region. The RDF’s efforts to share its experience and expertise with friendly armed forces demonstrate its commitment to collective efforts to enhance regional security.
Key points
- RDF Chief of Defence Staff Gen MK MUBARAKH presided over the graduation ceremony.
- The course aimed to enhance the operational capabilities of FACA personnel.
- The graduation marks an important milestone in the professional development of FACA personnel.
