In Bugesera District’s Mayange Sector lies a specialized institution dedicated to training Rwandan police officers and those from other countries in modern counterterrorism tactics. Known as the Counterterrorism Training Center (CTTC), the facility was established in 2013 to strengthen the capacity of security agencies to combat terrorism and other security threats.
More than a decade since its inception, CTTC Mayange has gained the trust of national and regional security institutions, thanks to its significant role in preparing highly skilled police officers to handle terrorism threats effectively.
Comprehensive Training and Modern Facilities
The center started with 300 trainees and 60 instructors, but it has since graduated more than 3,800 police officers from Rwanda and across Africa. CTTC emphasizes hands-on training, covering the use of military-grade weapons, advanced technology, and specialized security strategies.
Training is offered under three main programs:
- Special Force Wing: Specialized counterterrorism training for elite units.
- Counterterrorism and Intelligence Wing: Focused on both counterterrorism and intelligence operations.
- Specialized and Career Courses Wing: Designed to enhance professionalism and specialized skills.
According to CTTC leadership, training programs last between three to six months. The center now has the capacity to host over 2,000 trainees at a time, offering modern classrooms, quality accommodation, and technology-based training facilities.
National and Regional Impact
Acting CTTC Director ACP Méthode Munyaneza says the center’s main goal is to prepare officers with advanced counterterrorism knowledge and skills.
Its impact has gone beyond Rwanda’s borders. Notably, Rwandan police officers trained at CTTC Mayange played a leading role in neutralizing the Ansar al-Sunnah terrorist group that had terrorized Mozambique’s Cabo Delgado Province.
IP Godfrey Muzungu, one of the officers trained at CTTC, confirmed that the skills acquired there were essential in successfully confronting the militants in Mozambique.
A Regional Counterterrorism Asset
Beyond Rwanda, the center also trains officers from countries such as the Central African Republic and South Sudan, ensuring that regional forces benefit from modern counterterrorism expertise.
Currently, around 2,000 officers—both Rwandan and international—are undergoing training at CTTC. Its leadership emphasizes continued expansion of its programs and facilities to strengthen security capacity for peace and development both in Rwanda and across the region.
