RDF officers graduate in Ethiopia

Two young officers from the Rwanda Defence Force successfully completed the Metema Long Cadet Course at Ethiopia’s Holeta Military Academy, during its 71st graduation ceremony held on July 25, 2026.

The event was presided over by Field Marshal Birhanu Jula, Chief of the Ethiopian Defense Forces. Among the graduates, Officer Niyigena Lucie received special recognition as the best performing international student, praised for her discipline and excellence.

Rwanda’s Defense Attaché in Ethiopia, Col. David Sangani, attended the ceremony and highlighted the strong cooperation between RDF and Ethiopia’s armed forces. This partnership, spanning over two decades, has expanded beyond military training to include police collaboration and broader ties in agriculture, trade, and education.

The graduation underscores Rwanda’s commitment to regional security and military diplomacy, while Officer Niyigena Lucie’s achievement reflects the growing role of women in defense leadership.