RDF Command and Staff College to host the fourth National Security Symposium

The Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College will host its annual National Security Symposium from Monday 16 to Wednesday 18 May 2016 in Nyakinama, Musanze District. The Symposium’s primary aim is to deliberate on matters of national, regional and continental security with a view to developing practical solutions. The College invites high level policy makers, security practitioners, subject matter experts and scholars of security studies to engage in interactive discussions with students of Senior Command and Staff course on contemporary security challenges on the African continent.

This year, the selected topics of discussion include transnational crimes on the continent; combating cross border negative forces through interagency cooperation; counter terrorism strategies on the African continent; cyber threats and plausible measures; operationalizing our own African standby forces; the role of media in conflict management; the gender aspects of security and external interference in African affairs.

The selected panelists will give their expert views, opinions and proposed solutions before moderators involve students and the wider audience to make contributions and ask questions.

Invited senior Government officials participating in the discussions will include Rwanda Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon Louise Mushikiwabo, Hon Minister of Defence, Gen James Kabarebe; the Minister of Gender and Family promotion Hon Diane Gashumba; RDF Chief of Defence Staff Gen Patrick Nyamvumba; Inspector General of Police Emmanuel Gasana and the Advisor to HE President of Republic of Rwanda on Security and Defence matters, Lt Gen Karenzi Karake.

Also invited are Leaders from the region and beyond including the outgoing EAC Secretary General, Dr Richard Sezibera; the Director Smart Africa and former Secretary General of the International Telecommunication Union, Dr Hamoudi Toure; renown Cyber Security Expert Rtd Brig Gen Yair Cohen from Israel and other senior Military leaders including the Commander of Malawi Defence Forces; Chiefs of Defence Forces of Kenya and Uganda.

The Guest of Honor of this year National Security Symposium will be Hon Minister of Defence, General James Kabarebe.