Rwanda’s President Fires Top Military Brass

Paul Kagame, president of Rwanda, has released more than 200 soldiers – including two generals and 14 commissioned officers – from the military with immediate effect.

No reason for the contract terminations was given in the statement released via Twitter by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) in the early hours of Wednesday morning, 7 June. RDF Major-General Aloys Muganga, Brigadier-General Francis Mutiganda, as well as 14 commissioned officers, were all released from their positions.

“[Kagame] has also authorised the dismissal of 116 other ranks and approved the rescission of service contracts of 112 other ranks,” the perfunctory statement said before adding: “The dismissals and rescission of service contracts take immediate effect.”

The sacking comes a day after a high-ranking reshuffle of the military, which saw Juvenal Marizamunda – who was previously the head of Rwanda’s correctional services and a former deputy inspector general of police – appointed as the country’s defence minister.

Neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) – who currently have tense relations with Rwanda – will be keeping a close eye on the RDF developments. The DRC, a United Nations group of experts and United States of America officials have all accused Rwanda of supporting armed rebels, M23, based in the area.

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