The Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) has retired 12 generals and others in a move to reshuffle the military 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.
Kagame also approved the promotion and appointment of some officers to replace them, RDF added. The moves take immediate effect.
The Rwandan president, who has been in power since 2000, is one of the continent’s longest-serving leaders. A 2015 amendment to the country’s constitution means he can stay in power until 2034.
In Cameroon, President Paul Biya has also reshuffled the military with new appointments.
This was contained in a statement, signed by Biya, that is been circulated on X, formerly known as Twitter. The statement was written in French, the country’s official language of communication.
