RDF CHIEF OF CIVIL-MILITARY COOPERATION ADDRESSES YOUTH UNDERGOING CIVIC EDUCATION AT THE NATIONAL UBUTORE DEVELOPMENT CENTRE

Burera, 19 November 2025

Today, the Rwanda Defence Force Chief of Civil-Military Cooperation (Chief J9), Col. Désiré Migambi Mungamba, addressed Itorero Imbuto Zitoshye a group of young people currently undertaking a one-week civic-education programme (16–22 November 2025) at the National Ubutore Development Centre in Nkumba, Burera District.

This training, which constitutes the second phase of Itorero Imbuto Zitoshye, has brought together 131 students who completed their secondary education with support from the Imbuto Foundation through its Edified Generation programme.

Col. Migambi delivered a presentation on “The Legacy of Rwanda’s Liberation Struggle and the Effort to Stop the 1994 Genocide Against the Tutsi.” He reflected on core Rwandan values—unity, national integrity, patriotism, peace, and sustainability—values that historically shaped Rwanda’s identity and social cohesion but were later undermined by colonial powers and post-colonial regimes, including the Habyarimana government, which fostered divisions among Rwandans. These divisions resulted in decades of sectarianism, persecution, and ultimately the genocide against the Tutsi.

The Chief J9 highlighted how the Rwanda Patriotic Army restored unity and dignity after years of poor governance, emphasizing that the RPA’s military operations aimed not only at national liberation but also at stopping the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. He underscored the role of the visionary leadership of His Excellency President Paul Kagame, noting that discipline, patriotism, and unity were key values that enabled Rwanda’s transformation and current progress.

Col. Migambi encouraged the youth to uphold the values of unity, discipline, and responsibility, and to strive to become role models and future leaders of Rwanda.