Five RDF Officers Graduate from Four-Year Military Training in Qatar

Qatar, January 22, 2026 - Five junior officers of the Rwandan Defence Forces (RDF) successfully completed a four-year training program at various military schools in Qatar, in a ceremony attended by Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, Emir of Qatar. Representing the RDF, Col. Bernard Niyomugabo, Defence Attaché at the Rwandan Embassy in Qatar, praised the officers’ dedication and highlighted the importance of the training for enhancing Rwanda’s military capabilities. This milestone continues a long-standing partnership between Rwanda and Qatar in defense and security cooperation. In January 2025, nine RDF soldiers completed similar training programs in Qatar, demonstrating the ongoing commitment of both countries to strengthen military skills and safeguard national sovereignty. The ceremony was also attended by Rwandan officials, including Brig. Gen. Franco Rutagengwa, Director of the Gako Military Academy, who emphasized the strategic significance of international military training in preparing Rwanda’s officers for modern security challenges. Broader Rwanda-Qatar Cooperation Military training is just one aspect of the growing partnership between Rwanda and Qatar. The two countries have collaborated in several sectors, including: Security: At the end of 2024, the Rwandan Police and the Qatari Internal Security Service signed a cooperation agreement on security and crime prevention. Air Transport: Qatar Airways is expected to acquire a 49% stake in RwandAir, while Qatar holds a 60% share in the Bugesera Airport project, which is designed to handle 14 million passengers per year upon completion. Investment and Strategic Cooperation: The partnership spans multiple sectors, reflecting strong diplomatic ties between Kigali and Doha. “Training in Qatar equips our officers with advanced skills, enabling them to protect Rwanda’s sovereignty effectively,” Col. Niyomugabo said. This latest graduation underscores the strengthening bilateral relations and Rwanda’s commitment to professionalizing its armed forces through international partnerships.