Chinese military parade by cadet officers excites Rwandans

By Africa China Review Reporter

On Monday 26^th the Rwanda President Paul Kagame who is also the commander in chief of the Rwandan armed forces commissioned 721 junior officers at the rank of 2^nd Lieutenant who had completed the military course and training. Among the officers commissioned 74 were female. The ceremony took place at the Gako military academy in Bugesera district.

During the pass out ceremony, which was broadcast live on Rwanda television, hundreds of citizens were excited by the well-coordinated Chinese style parade that was mounted by the cadet officers. 

The parade believed to be of a Chinese style has been demonstrated before by the Rwandan defence force which is now considered a preferred parade style for the Rwanda military.  Since Rwanda was colonized by Belgium and also belongs to the commonwealth countries, many thought that the Rwandan military could prefer using either Belgian or British style of parade.

A number of commissioned cadet officers have their parents who fought during the liberation war between 1990-1994. They are stepping in the footsteps of their parents to defend their country.

In his address, President Kagame reminded that transforming the nation towards continued development requires a professional, strong, and disciplined army. President Kagame commended the RDF unique history of working closely with the citizens, which has resulted into the development of the nation. He further encouraged the new officers to continue in that line and to remain steadfast to this objective of transforming Rwanda

President Kagame shared the United Nation’s example, reminding that Rwandan army has always given a helping hand whenever it is requested to do so. Rwanda is among the biggest troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping missions in the world.

The junior officers as well as RDF forces in general were reminded that their most important priority is to serve the interests of the Rwanda people.  

President Kagame warned those who dream of destabilizing the security of Rwanda to be ready to pay a very high price. Since 1994, Rwanda has faced security threats from rebel forces from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) made up mainly by the remnants of the former military and militia groups that committed genocide against the Tutsi in 1994. 

By Africa China Review Reporter