Rwanda’s military cooperation with the Central African Republic entered a new phase this week as another cohort of the Central African Republic Armed Forces (FACA) soldiers completed their training under the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), highlighting the widening scope of Rwanda’s security support to the country.
The development was accompanied by a working visit from Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi, the RDF Army Chief of Staff, who met Rwandan peacekeepers deployed in Bangui and engaged with Central African officials on ongoing defence collaboration.
On November 29, 2025, FACA officially enrolled 545 new soldiers after completing their basic military course instructed by RDF trainers. The ceremony, held at Camp Kassai Military Barracks in Bangui, was presided over by President Faustin-Archange Touadéra.
The event also marked the graduation of 121 platoon sergeants who concluded a six-month leadership program. This latest group follows two previous cohorts trained under the Rwanda–CAR bilateral agreement, which saw 512 soldiers graduate in 2023 and 634 more in August 2024.
Nyakarundi attended the ceremony alongside senior officials from both countries. Gen Victor Yacoub, the Deputy Chief of Staff of FACA, praised the partnership and noted that Rwanda has now trained 2,409 soldiers in basic military skills and 300 non-commissioned officers.
He commended the dedication shown by the trainees throughout their intensive program, underlining the transformative impact of the training on FACA’s operational readiness.
In his remarks, Nyakarundi congratulated the graduates and encouraged them to uphold discipline and competence as they take on their duties. He urged the newly commissioned platoon sergeants to lead confidently, guide operations effectively, and provide reliable support to their commanders.
He also expressed appreciation to the Heads of State of both countries for sustaining the mission and supporting the wider security cooperation agenda. The ceremony showcased demonstrations of key skills, including marksmanship, map-reading and martial arts.
Earlier on, Nyakarundi visited Rwandan peacekeepers serving under the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). He met the RWABAT-1 contingent at Socatel M’Poko Camp, conveying appreciation from RDF leadership and commending the peacekeepers for their professionalism.
He also briefed them on the security situation in Rwanda and the wider region. His visit forms part of a broader working mission to interact with Rwandan forces deployed under both the UN mandate and the bilateral agreement.
Meanwhile, in Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province, Rwanda’s security contribution also extended to community engagement efforts. RDF troops in Mocímboa da Praia distributed sports kits to young people from the villages of Josina Machel and Philippe Nyusi as part of their Civil-Military Cooperation activities.
The kits included balls, jerseys and shoes, followed by a friendly football match that ended in a 1–1 draw. Local officials praised the initiative, with Municipal Council Spokesperson Vicente Alfândega commending the RSF for supporting both security and community wellbeing.
Meanwhile, Mozambican President Daniel Francisco Chapo earlier visited RSF forces deployed in Ancuabe District, where he was briefed on the security situation. Accompanied by senior defence officials, he thanked the RSF for their role in restoring stability in Cabo Delgado.
President Chapo urged continued close cooperation with the Mozambican Armed Forces, stressing that lasting peace is vital as development projects prepare to resume in the province.
The developments come shortly after President Paul Kagame and President Touadéra held talks in Kigali on November 23, reaffirming their commitment to deepen cooperation.
Rwanda continues to support CAR’s security sector reforms through troop deployments, peacekeeping roles and the expanding military training program that has now produced several cohorts of FACA personnel.
