GITEGA, May 28 (ABP) – The military instruction and training championship for the 2024-2025 training year was concluded on Friday, May 23, 2025, at the Commando Center in Gitega, by the deputy chief of the National Defense Force of Burundi (FDNB), Lieutenant General Jean Paul Habimana, a check on site by ABP revealed.
This championship was organized under the theme: “Instruction and training in the FDNB, a pillar for strengthening operational capacities and professionalizing this corps.” Competitors came from all four military divisions, the navy, the air force, the land force, specialized units, training units, and more.
In the overall ranking, the Special Brigade for the Protection of Institutions (BSPI) took 1st place, followed by the Non-Commissioned Officers School (ESO). The 4th military division came in third, while the 2nd military division, which hosted the championship, took the 4th place, and ISCAM came 5th. The top three received a trophy and an envelope. Military personnel ranked first in each category of the championship were also awarded as a form of encouragement.
In his closing speech, the deputy chief of the FDNB Lieutenant General Jean Paul Habimana, warmly congratulated the competing soldiers, recognizing the discipline, courage, and bravery they demonstrated throughout the five days of the championship.
He emphasized that the purpose of the championship was to strengthen the soldiers’ knowledge of their profession while promoting team spirit, noting that this was not an individual competition, but a team one.
He urged all the competitors in general, and the winners in particular, to keep progressing and to serve as role models within their units. He also called on leaders of the various military divisions to intensify training exercises so that soldiers can maintain their performance at all times, in order to fulfill their mission of protecting the country.
The commander in charge of instruction and training at the FDNB Staff, Brigadier General Télesphore Barandereka, in his welcome speech, called on all categories to prepare well for the upcoming training year, which will begin in July 2025.
It is worth noting that this 2024-2025 edition of the military instruction and training championship included an orienteering race; a 17km run with military equipment; casualty transport; an 8km run followed by a target shooting session and an obstacle course; as well as the rope course. All military divisions and specialized units fielded competitors.