ANKARA, Türkiye — Four Rwandan military cadets have been commissioned as Second Lieutenants after completing officer training at Turkish military academies, marking another milestone in Rwanda’s international defence education and professional military development.
The commissioning took place on August 30, 2026, during a military graduation ceremony in Türkiye attended by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Türkiye’s National Defence University confirms that President Erdoğan participates in the military academies’ graduation and diploma ceremonies, including ceremonies involving the Turkish Military Academy and Air Force Academy.
According to an official announcement by Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence, the four Rwandans commissioned at the rank of Second Lieutenant were Arnauld Byiringiro, Prince Cyizere, Daniel Mbanzabugabo and Robert Mugabe. The officers completed different military education programs within Türkiye’s defence training system.
Second Lieutenants Arnauld Byiringiro and Prince Cyizere graduated from the Turkish Air Force Academy, while Second Lieutenants Daniel Mbanzabugabo and Robert Mugabe completed their studies at the Turkish Military Academy. Their graduation represents the completion of extensive professional military education designed to prepare cadets for leadership and service as commissioned officers.
Türkiye’s National Defence University describes its military academies as institutions responsible for educating and developing future commissioned officers for the country’s armed forces. The Turkish Air Force Academy, in particular, forms part of the university’s military higher-education structure and participates in graduation ceremonies attended by senior national leadership.
In its announcement, Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence said the four cadets “were commissioned to the rank of Second Lieutenant (2Lt)” by President Erdoğan during the ceremony. The ministry also identified the graduates and the respective Turkish academies from which they completed their studies.
Rwanda was represented at the ceremony by its Ambassador to Türkiye, Lt Gen (Rtd) Charles Kayonga, alongside Defence Attaché Col Jean Paul Rulisa. Family members of the newly commissioned officers were also present, according to the ministry’s announcement.
The graduation highlights the role of international military education in developing Rwanda Defence Force personnel through exposure to different training environments, military institutions and professional standards. Such overseas education provides young officers with opportunities to acquire specialized knowledge while building professional relationships with counterparts from other countries.
For the four officers, the commissioning formally marks their transition from cadets to commissioned military leaders. Their return to service will allow them to apply the professional and leadership training acquired in Türkiye within the Rwanda Defence Force as they begin the next stage of their military careers.
