Gabon coup: Rwanda President retires 12 generals, 1,013 other military officers

Paul Kagame, the President of Rwanda and Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), has granted approval for the retirement of a significant number of military personnel, including 95 generals and senior officers, along with 930 junior soldiers.

Among those retiring is General James Kabarebe, formerly the Minister of Defence and Chief of Defense Staff in the country.

Details about the retirees were released in an official statement published on the Rwanda Defense Force’s official website on Wednesday.

This decision coincides with recent military upheavals in Niger Republic and Gabon, adding to the context of military changes across the region.

General Kabarebe, who was serving as a special advisor to the president on security, was among those stepping down from active military duty.

The announcement specifies that retirements include 83 senior officers, 6 junior officers, 86 senior non-commissioned officers (NCOS), 678 individuals at the end of their contract periods, and 160 medical discharges.

Prior to these retirements, the President promoted several lieutenant colonels to the rank of colonels and brigade commanders.

The move reflects Rwanda’s commitment to maintaining a dynamic and efficient military force while also fac