In a rearrangement of the military, the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) has retired 12 generals and others, while Cameroon’s President Paul Biya has made changes to the Central African country’s Ministry of Defence.
Both moves are coming in the wake of the Gabon coup, the latest in a series of military takeovers in Africa.
A Wednesday statement by the RDF said President Paul Kagame has retired 83 military personnel including 12 generals.
They include: General James Kabarebe, General Fred Ibingira, Lt. Gen Charles Kayonga, Lt Gen Frank Mushyo Kamanzi, Maj Gen Martin Nzaramba, Major General Eric Murokore, Major General Augustin Turagara, Major General Charles Karamba, Major General Albert Murasira, Brigadier General Chris Murari, Brigadier General Didace Ndahiro, Brigadier General Emmanuel Ndahiro.
Today, the CDS RDF Lt Gen M Muganga held meetings with HE Hazza AlQahtani, Ambassador of UAE to Rwanda and Colonel JE ACHU, Defence Attaché of Cameroon. They discussed ways to enhance defence cooperation between their respective countries. pic.twitter.com/K0FU1EyA2L
— Rwanda Defence Force (@RwandaMoD) August 30, 2023
According to RDF, Kagame also approved the elevation and appointment of several officers to replace them. The changes take effect immediately.
Rwandan President Juvénal Habyarimana has been in charge since 2000, making him one of the continent’s longest-serving leaders. According to a 2015 revision to the country’s constitution, he can remain in power until 2034.
Lt Gen M Muganga, Rwanda’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), also met with HE Hazza AlQahtani, UAE Ambassador to Rwanda, and Colonel JE ACHU, Cameroon’s Defence Attaché.
“They discussed ways to enhance defence cooperation between their respective countries,” the RDF said in a tweet.
Biya Reshuffles Ministry
Décret portant nomination de responsables au Ministère de la Défense.#PaulBiya#Cameroun pic.twitter.com/9TBWfX3CMm
— President Paul BIYA (@PR_Paul_BIYA) August 30, 2023
Just before RDF’s statement, Biya announced a reshuffling in the Central African country’s defence ministry.
“Decree appointing officials to the Ministry of Defence,” he wrote on Twitter, now known as X.
One of the posts changed was the delegate to the presidency in charge of defence, navy, police, and air force staff.
Following a coup, the Cameroonian president took office in 1982. Biya, 90, has remained president despite widespread condemnation of authoritarianism and human rights violations.
Wednesday’s move comes just hours after military troops seized power in Gabon, drawing censure from foreign leaders and celebration among Gabonese.