Central African Republic Adds 566 Soldiers Trained by Rwanda

Bangui, 10 August 2026 - The Central African Republic has welcomed 566 newly trained soldiers into its armed forces after they completed a six-month basic military training program conducted by instructors from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).

An additional 104 personnel, including non-commissioned officers, completed four months of specialized training focused on their military responsibilities. The programs were conducted jointly by RDF instructors and the Central African Armed Forces (FACA).

The graduation ceremony was held at the Kassaï Military Base in Bangui and presided over by President and Commander-in-Chief Faustin-Archange Touadéra. Rwanda’s Army Chief of Staff, Maj Gen Vincent Nyakarundi, Rwandan Ambassador to the Central African Republic Olivier Kayumba, senior government officials and military representatives also attended.

FACA Chief of Staff Gen Zéphirin Mamadou welcomed the new soldiers, saying they would join the country’s security forces in protecting national sovereignty. He praised the military partnership with Rwanda, describing the training as an important contribution to strengthening the country’s ability to counter armed groups and protect civilians.

Nyakarundi commended the trainees for their discipline, commitment and conduct throughout the program. He said their training had prepared them to serve professionally while upholding the responsibilities and values expected of members of the armed forces.

The training forms part of broader military cooperation between Rwanda and the Central African Republic, including joint efforts to address armed groups and support peace and security. Rwanda has maintained a military presence in the Central African Republic since 2020 under a bilateral agreement aimed at helping protect communities from armed threats.

The partnership also includes efforts to strengthen FACA’s institutional and operational capabilities. By November 2025, Rwanda had trained 2,409 Central African soldiers and 300 non-commissioned officers, according to figures previously announced by Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence.