Rabat, Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces this week hosted Rwanda’s army chief in a high-level meeting designed to strengthen defense cooperation and promote peace and stability across the African continent.
General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of Morocco’s Royal Armed Forces (FAR), received General Vincent Nyakarundi, Chief of Staff of the Rwandan Land Forces, on Tuesday at FAR headquarters in Rabat.
The meeting, held under the leadership of King Mohammed VI, who serves as Supreme Commander and Chief of General Staff of the FAR, represents a key step in deepening the growing defense relationship between the two nations.
General Nyakarundi’s visit, which runs from November 10 to 14, builds on the defense cooperation agreement signed in Rabat in June 2025.
According to a statement issued by FAR’s General Staff, the agreement encompasses various areas of collaboration, including military training, knowledge exchange, and technical support.
During their discussions, General Nyakarundi expressed his appreciation for the strong and friendly relations between Morocco and Rwanda. He noted that the visit would help enhance mutual understanding and create new opportunities for consultation between the two armed forces.
Both military leaders reaffirmed their shared commitment to advancing military cooperation, underscoring the goal of building a long-lasting and exemplary partnership between their respective armies.
Morocco and Rwanda have enjoyed a long history of partnership that has significantly strengthened since King Mohammed VI’s historic visit to Kigali in 2016. That visit marked a turning point, paving the way for extensive collaboration in trade, agriculture, tourism, and security.
The 2016 trip also resulted in multiple agreements covering political consultations, visa exemptions, air transport, and defense cooperation.
In July 2025, Morocco’s Minister Delegate for National Defense Administration, Abdeltif Loudyi, welcomed Rwandan Defense Minister Juvenal Marizamunda and his delegation to Rabat. The visit aimed to broaden bilateral ties, leading to the signing of another defense cooperation agreement focusing on training, joint exercises, medical support, and technical assistance.
The agreement further established a joint military commission to identify cooperation priorities and ensure consistent dialogue between the two countries.
Officials from both nations have emphasized their commitment to advancing peace, security, and development across Africa through continued collaboration.
Today, the partnership between Morocco and Rwanda stands as a testament to Africa’s growing unity, built on trust, shared goals, and a collective vision for a stronger, more secure continent.
