The Republic of the Central African Republic's (FACA) military has taken a significant step in enhancing its defense capabilities, as 254 soldiers, including officers and senior non-commissioned officers, completed a six-month military training program in Rwanda. The training, which was conducted at the Rwanda Defense Forces' (RDF) Nasho Military Training Center in Kirehe District, aimed to equip FACA soldiers with the necessary skills, knowledge, and expertise to effectively perform their duties in challenging security environments.
The closing ceremony, held on November 2, 2026, was attended by senior military officials from both Rwanda and the Central African Republic, including Rwanda's Chief of Defense Staff, General Mubarakh Muganga, and his counterpart from FACA, General Zephirin Mamadou. The training program, which is the second cohort of 2026, was designed to enhance the military capabilities of FACA soldiers, with a focus on special operations skills. The RDF instructors provided comprehensive training in various areas, including marksmanship, combat tactics, and first aid.
General Muganga commended the graduating soldiers for their hard work and dedication throughout the six-month training period. He emphasized the importance of upholding professional standards and using their new skills to serve their country. Muganga also highlighted Rwanda's commitment to sharing its expertise and experience with other African countries to promote peace, security, and stability on the continent.
General Mamadou expressed his gratitude to the Government of Rwanda, RDF leadership, and instructors for their support and expertise throughout the training program. He noted that the skills and knowledge acquired by FACA soldiers will enable them to effectively discharge their duties and contribute to maintaining security and stability in the Central African Republic.
Second Lieutenant Christ Ngboundou, one of the graduating soldiers, stated that his colleagues and he are committed to applying the skills and knowledge gained in Rwanda to protect their country and its people. The training program covered a range of specialized military skills, including marksmanship, combat tactics, and heliborne operations.
The Rwandan Ministry of Defense has described the completion of the training program as a significant milestone in strengthening the military capabilities of FACA. The ministry also emphasized the long-standing military cooperation between Rwanda and the Central African Republic, particularly in the area of military training and capacity building.
The training program is a testament to the strong bilateral relations between Rwanda and the Central African Republic, and demonstrates the commitment of both countries to promoting peace, security, and stability in the region. Key aspects of the training program include enhanced military capabilities, improved defense cooperation, and strengthened bilateral relations.
Key points
- 254 soldiers from the Central African Republic complete six-month military training in Rwanda
- Training program aimed to enhance military capabilities of FACA soldiers
- Graduation ceremony attended by senior military officials from Rwanda and Central African Republic
