Africa Coups: Rwandan President Retires 12 Generals, 1,013 Other Military Officers

Published: August 31, 2023

President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, who also doubles as the Commander-in-Chief of Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), has approved the retirement of 12 generals and 1013 other senior and junior officers.

Recall that just two months ago, Kegame sacked several high-ranking military officials, a day after naming a new defense minister and army chief in a major reshuffle of the country’s security apparatus.

He also sacked 14 other officers and also authorized the dismissal of 116 other ranks and approved the rescission 112 other ranks.

In a statement published on the Rwanda Defense Force’s official website on Wednesday 30th August 2023, James Kabarebe, the country’s former Minister of Defence and Chief of Defense Staff has been retired.

Until his retirement, General Kabarebe served as the special advisor to the president on security.

RDF PRESS RELEASE – RETIREMENT IN THE RWANDA DEFENCE FORCE. https://t.co/v9pfuJardy pic.twitter.com/UvVcnaix6v
— Rwanda Defence Force (@RwandaMoD) August 30, 2023

Local media reports that some of those retired had attained the retirement age of 65 while others were indicted for misconduct.

“The president has also approved the retirement of 83 senior officers, 06 junior officers and 86 senior NCOS, 678 end of contract and 160 medical discharges,” the statement partly read.

Prior to their retirement, President Kagame promoted a number of lieutenant colonels to the rank of colonels and brigade commanders.

Although the statement did not categorically state the reasons behind the retirement of the military officers, the president had in previous weeks addressed opinion leaders on the need to keep the country united.

His words: “Our history has been an example of how destructive division can be. We have also seen that it is our unity that has led to our country’s transformation. We have people who lost their family members, others who have family members who are perpetrators, everyone has suffered the consequences of division.”

The announcement comes amid recent military coups in Niger Republic and Gabon.