Rwanda, Israel Hold Talks to Strengthen Military Cooperation

Kigali, March 12, 2026 - Rwanda and Israel have held high-level discussions aimed at deepening military cooperation, as both countries seek to reinforce security partnerships amid evolving regional challenges. The talks, held on March 11, brought together Rwanda’s Minister of Defense Juvenal Marizamunda and Chief of Defence Staff Mubarakh Muganga with Einat Weiss, Israel’s ambassador to Rwanda. The meeting was also attended by Brig. Gen. Patrick Karuretwa, Director General for International Military Cooperation at Rwanda’s Ministry of Defense. According to the Rwandan Defence Force, discussions focused on issues of mutual interest and explored ways to further strengthen existing military ties between the two nations. Rwanda and Israel maintain longstanding cooperation in defense and security, including joint training programs, knowledge sharing, and collaboration aimed at promoting regional and international stability. Their partnership also extends beyond the military sector into areas such as technology, education, healthcare, investment, and agriculture. The renewed engagement comes at a time of heightened security concerns for both countries. Israel continues to face tensions in the Middle East, including conflict involving Hamas and broader regional dynamics linked to Iran. For Rwanda, security challenges remain tied to instability in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, where authorities have repeatedly raised concerns over cooperation between Congolese forces and the FDLR armed group. Officials from both sides emphasized the importance of sustained cooperation to address shared security concerns and contribute to broader peace and stability efforts.