The Head of State was addressing soldiers who participated in the Combined Arms Field Training Exercise code-named “Exercise Hard Punch 04/2023”, that had been going on at RDF Combat Training Centre, Gabiro.

The Hard Punch exercise was last held in 2018. One of the objectives of the exercise is to test and assess the synchronised delivery of joint fires using various capabilities in a single operation.

The military drill also seeks to demonstrate the joint planning, synchronisation and coordinated employment of air power, special forces and offensive support group capabilities in supporting an infantry division to achieve a combat mission.

Speaking to soldiers after witnessing the final field exercise on Thursday, Kagame urged them on discipline.

“We are not an army that only protects the country, we participated in building it; we are still building it and we will continue to play our part. Discipline is the key to succeeding in our job. Discipline enables us to use our limited means efficiently allocating the little we have where it is most needed,” he said.

Kagame has however highlighted that discipline is not enough on its own but should be built on to enhance knowledge and capabilities.

“There is knowledge and understanding which helps build our capabilities. Because you can have discipline, but if you don’t have knowledge, education and training, that discipline itself will not get you anywhere without building on it,” he noted.

The President also commended the contribution of Rwandan soldiers in peacekeeping operations in different missions.

“RDF does not exist to wage wars, it exists to prevent wars and protect peace. You have shown this here at home, and abroad, in the many places where you have gone to lend a helping hand to those with whom we share a lot as Africans and to other friends who are in need of our help,” remarked Kagame.

Rwandan soldiers have been intervening in Cabo Delgado of Mozambique over the past two years to quell terrorists.

They are also present in the Central African Republic (CAR) under the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission or through bilateral partnerships.

President Paul Kagame has reminded soldiers that RDF does not exist to wage wars but rather protect peace at home and abroad.