Rwanda, Tanzania Commanders Meet to Tackle Cross-Border Security Challenges
Senior military commanders from Rwanda and Tanzania have convened in northwestern Tanzania for a three-day meeting aimed at strengthening border security and deepening cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
The 15th Proximity Commanders’ Security Meeting, taking place in Karagwe District from March 24 to 26, 2026, brings together officers from the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) and the Tanzania People’s Defence Force (TPDF) to address ongoing cross-border challenges.
The Rwandan delegation is led by Major General Ruki Karusisi, commander of the RDF 5th Infantry Division, while Brigadier General Gabriel Elias Kwiligwa, commander of the TPDF 202 Infantry Brigade, heads the Tanzanian side.
On the first day of the meeting, commanders moved beyond formal discussions and into the field, visiting communities along the border to better understand the realities residents face. In villages such as Nyarubare and Katwe in Kyerwa District, and Nyakakoni in Kayisho Sector, military leaders met locals and spoke about the risks tied to illegal crossings and unlawful fishing in shared waters.
“These borders are not just lines on a map, they are home to communities whose safety depends on our cooperation,” an RDF statement said. “We are working closely with our Tanzanian counterparts to ensure that security measures go hand in hand with public awareness and community engagement.”
The areas visited are marked by porous terrain, including lakes, rivers and swamps. The Akagera River, in particular, has become a common route for unauthorised crossings, raising concerns among both security forces.
Commanders described these locations as hotspots for smuggling and other illicit activities, warning that such practices not only undermine security but also put lives at risk.
Residents in the region often rely on cross-border movement for their livelihoods, a reality that makes enforcement both necessary and sensitive. Officials say this is why community engagement remains central to their approach.
By the end of the meeting, both sides are expected to agree on stronger joint measures to curb illegal activities while maintaining stability and trust among border communities, an effort that underscores the growing cooperation between Rwanda and Tanzania.
