The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) held its fourteenth send-off ceremony on Friday at RDF Headquarters in Kimihurura to honour military personnel who have reached retirement age and those whose service contracts have come to an end.
The event was presided over by the Minister of Defense, Hon. Juvenal Marizamunda, on behalf of His Excellency the President of the Republic of Rwanda and Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defense Force. It was attended by the Chief of Defense Staff, Gen MK Mubarak, Service Chiefs, Generals, Senior Officers, and the families of the retirees.
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Recognition of Service and Sacrifice
Speaking on behalf of the Commander-in-Chief, Minister Marizamunda expressed gratitude to the retirees for their dedicated service to the nation. He commended their role in the liberation struggle, stopping the Genocide against the Tutsi, and rebuilding the country.
He also praised their contribution to transforming the RDF into a strong, professional, and internationally respected force through peacekeeping operations and bilateral missions, noting that their work has left a lasting legacy.
The Minister further thanked the spouses of the retirees for their unwavering support, acknowledging the sacrifices they made in keeping families together during periods of deployment.
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Chief of Defence Staff Commends Retirees
In his remarks, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen MK Mubarakh, congratulated the retirees for the patriotism, discipline, and professionalism they demonstrated throughout their careers.
He thanked them for mentoring younger soldiers and instilling in them the core values of the RDF, which have prepared the next generation to safeguard the nation. He emphasized that the RDF and the country will continue to benefit from the retirees’ experience, wisdom, and counsel.
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Retirees Pledge Continued Service to the Nation
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Maj Gen (Rtd) Emmanuel Bayingana expressed pride in the remarkable progress of the Rwanda Defence Force.
He thanked His Excellency President Paul Kagame for his visionary leadership in building a strong and united RDF family. He affirmed that although they are leaving active service, they will continue to uphold RDF values of patriotism, discipline, and selfless service, and pledged to keep contributing to Rwanda’s development and prosperity.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of certificates to the retirees in recognition of their distinguished and dedicated service to the Rwanda Defence Force.
