Kagame Promotes Eight Officers in Latest RDF Shakeup

By Kampala Post Reporter

President and Commander in-Chief of Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) Paul Kagame has promoted and appointed eight military officers to different offices in the latest shakeup. This comes barely three months, after the Rwandan President made changes in the top army leadership.

In November last year, President Paul Kagame appointed Gen Jean-Bosco Kazura the RDF Chief of Defence Staff replacing Gen Patrick Nyamvumba who was appointed Minister of internal security. Gen Nyamvumba had served as RDF Chief of Defence Staff since 2013.

In the latest army reshuffle, Gen Kagame appointed Col Faustin Tinka, Deputy Commander Mechanized Division, while Col Joseph Karegire is the 211 Brigade Commander. Lt Col Geoffrey Gasana has been promoted to Col and appointed Deputy Air Force Commander.

Others include; Lt Col Kitoko Kadida who is been elevated to Col and appointed RG Commander, Lt Col Louis Kanobayire is promoted to Col and appointed Chief J3. Lt Col Richard Ndamage is appointed to OPS Officer 1Division, while Lt Col Ingace Tuyisenge has been appointed Deputy Military Police Regiment Commander.

Capt. Danny Gatsinzi has been elevated to Lt Col and appointed Chief of OPS in Air Force. “The promotions and appointments to take immediate effect,” a statement by President Kagame indicates. The shakeup announced on Sunday further confirms President Kagame's recent reliance on younger officers.