Kagame reshuffles top military officers
Made changes. President Paul Kagame (centre) with the minister of Defence, Maj Gen Albert Murasira (left), Gen James Kabareebe, a presidential advisor on security matters (2nd right) and Gen Patrick Nyamvumba, the Chief of Defence Staff in February. PHOTO | RWANDAN PRESIDENCY.
What you need to know:
- The Rwandan army changes come at a time when Uganda and Rwanda relations are fragile after Rwanda closed its borders with Uganda over accusations that Uganda is arresting Rwandans.
- Rwanda also claims that dissidents have cells in Uganda with an intention to distabilise the Kiagali government, an allegation Uganda has dismissed as lies.
Kampala. President Paul Kagame on Tuesday night appointed Maj Gen Jean-Jacques Mupenzi the new Rwanda Defence Forces Chief of Staff.
A statement issued by the Rwandan army said the officer had also been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General.
“His Excellency the President and the Commander-in- Chief of Rwanda Defence Force [RDF] has made the following appointments and changes within RDF; Maj Gen Jean-Jacques Mupenzi is promoted to the rank of Lieutenant General and appointed Chief of Staff,” the statement read.
He is the previous commander of the Mechanised division, which is now under the new commander, Maj Gen Aloys Muganga, who formerly commanded the Reserve Force.
Lt Gen Mupenzi has replaced Lt Gen Jacques Musemakweli, who has now been moved to the Reserve Force as Chief of Staff.
“The appointments and redeployments take immediate effect,” the statement read.
Maj Gen Muganga replaced Gen Fred Ibingira, who was fired by President Kagame last year after serving in that position since 2010.
There were reports last month that Gen Ibingira had been arrested, but Rwanda Foreign Affairs minister Richard Sezibera dismissed media reports that the four-star general was under incarceration.
Gen Ibingira is among the Rwandan army officers who previously served in the National Resistance Army, now Uganda People’s Defence Forces, before they defected, attacked Rwanda in 1990 and captured power in 1994.
The Rwandan army changes come at a time when Uganda and Rwanda relations are fragile after Rwanda closed its borders with Uganda over accusations that Uganda is arresting Rwandans.
Rwanda also claims that dissidents have cells in Uganda with an intention to distabilise the Kiagali government, an allegation Uganda has dismissed as lies.
