Kigali, 17 October 2011
President Kagame on Saturday met with senior military leaders of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) at the Ministry of Defence and RDF headquarters.
On arrival President Kagame inspected a Guard of Honour mounted by the RDF before his address and interaction with RDF Generals and Senior Officers. In his speech, President Kagame highlighted the central role of the RDF in promoting, preserving and defending Rwanda’s identity.
“The individual identity of each member of the RDF is linked to the values, ideals and objectives that have characterized this institution from its inception, and have been the source of RDF strength through the many challenges we have faced over the years.”
The Commander-in-Chief further urged the RDF members to put national interests before personal interests. He stressed that the knowledge acquired by RDF servicemen in various courses abroad should be used to strengthen the force’s achievements, building on its identity and character.
“Your ultimate aim should always be the best every RDF member can be rather than risk losing your sense of direction and identity, which typically happens with those who seek to blindly endorse other people’s choices, agendas and priorities.”
The meeting was part of regular program of interactions between the Commander-in-Chief and the RDF. Present at the meeting was the Minister of Defence, Chief of General Staff and all Service Chiefs.