Day 10 - SE & Central African Strategic Command Course, Rwanda 

Final day of the course starts with a students structured debrief, identification of key learning and what it all means in the future. 


The Kigali Skyline

Top of the students’ list was my session and continued emphasis on 'situational awareness' and the importance of Gold/Strategic commanders taking some time to 'think'. Several of them said the processes and my examples had helped them become more strategically aware. A quote from one student was very rewarding: “You have helped me to think at the gold level, before I was working at the bronze level.”

If the readers would like to hear more on this subject take a look at this video on YouTube: 

https://youtu.be/FZWcVxo07gI

The students commented positively on the adult learning style; facilitated learning with group work and discussions not endless lectures. Several thought our section of the course was too short (always a good sign).

Pleasingly, the students enjoyed the entire College of Policing (aka Bramshill) course which, I hope, has helped to prepare them for the future challenges they will undoubtedly face protecting the diverse communities in Africa. 

The complete Strategic Command course is a one-year programme, a significant and worthy commitment by the countries involved. It includes the three four week modules from the College of Policing, of which my two week module is the conclusion, Level 7 Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Certificate in Leadership and Management, a University of Rwanda course that provides a Masters (MSc) in Peace and Conflict Studies, the Joint Operations module and a study visit to two African countries (Ethiopia and Namibia).  

In my view this Strategic Command Course programme is setting the standard for Africa and potentially across the globe. 

After lots of hand shaking and hugging, Huw and I head to Kigali, a 90 minute journey. 

Kigali, has a population of over one million, it spans several ridges and valleys, with lush hillsides, flowering trees, winding boulevards and bustling streets. 

It wasn’t always like this. Kigali exists as a testament to the peace and order that has defined Rwanda’s trajectory for more than two decades, though it bore the brunt of the genocide in 1994.  

In recent years, a massive amount of rehabilitation work has restored the city to its former graces, while foreign investment have sparked a number of ambitious building projects. 

I am now at the new Kigali International Airport terminal pending flights back to the UK. 


Signing off for now.

[Gorilla]
Taken in 2014 on our trek to see the famous Rwanda mountain gorillas in the Volcano National Park, a trip I would recommend if the reader is in this part of the world (photo: Roger Gomm)

Roger Gomm, Member of CRJ’s Editorial Advisory Panel