Rwanda National Police

Thirty-eight senior law enforcement officers from ten African countries graduated on Friday, June 19, from the Police Senior Command and Staff Course (PSCSC) at the National Police College (NPC) in Musanze District, marking another milestone in strengthening leadership capacity and advancing regional security cooperation across Africa.

The Minister of Education, Joseph Nsengimana, presided over the graduation ceremony, which was attended by senior government and security officials, diplomats, representatives from partner academic institutions, and the graduates' families.

The 14th PSCSC intake comprised 23 senior officers from Rwanda and 15 allied students from the Central African Republic, Eswatini, Malawi, Namibia, Somalia, South Sudan, Kenya, Uganda, and The Gambia.

Minister Nsengimana reminded the graduates that learning does not end with graduation, noting that modern security leaders must continually adapt to an increasingly complex, rapidly changing environment.

Highlighting the qualities of effective leadership, he stressed the importance of a positive attitude, strong skills, and relevant knowledge as essential pillars of modern policing.

“Knowledge helps us understand the challenges we face; skills enable us to respond effectively, but attitude is what determines how we lead, how we serve, and how we inspire others. The most effective leaders are those who combine all three,” Minister Nsengimana said.

He further underscored the importance of strategic thinking, ethical leadership, regional cooperation, and respect for human rights in addressing contemporary security threats.

The Chief Executive Officer of the African Leadership University (ALU), Ms. Sidee Dlamini, highlighted the success of the partnership between ALU and the Rwanda National Police (RNP), which has produced five cohorts and 165 graduates over the past five years.

“What began as a bold vision has become a model for how African institutions can work together,” she said.

Dlamini added that modern policing requires leaders who can innovate, solve complex cross-border challenges, and uphold integrity while serving their communities.

Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Rwanda, Associate Professor Didas Kayihura Muganga, urged the graduates to apply the knowledge and skills acquired to promote peace and transform conflict within their respective societies.

“Be voices of reason when tensions rise. Be bridge-builders where divisions exist. Be leaders who listen, who serve, and who inspire trust,” he advised.

The one-year programme is designed to equip senior law enforcement officers with advanced leadership, strategic management, and security governance competencies necessary to respond effectively to evolving policing and security demands.

The course is delivered through a partnership between the National Police College, the University of Rwanda, and the African Leadership University, combining professional police education with academic excellence.

Upon successful completion of the programme, graduates are awarded the Passed Staff College (PSC) qualification, a Postgraduate Diploma in Strategic Leadership and Management, and a Master of Arts in Peace Studies and Conflict Transformation.