The Rwandan army announced the retirement of several high-ranking military generals, including a former chief of staff, as part of a significant reshuffle that saw over 1,000 personnel either dismissed or pushed into retirement.
President and army commander-in-chief Paul Kagame “approved the retirement” of General Jean Bosco Kazura, along with 1,162 military personnel of various ranks, according to an army statement released on Friday.
General Kazura, 62, served as Rwanda’s Chief of Defence Staff from 2019 to 2023 and had previously been a military advisor to Kagame. He also led the United Nations mission in Mali (MINUSMA) during 2013 and 2014.
Among the other senior officers approved for retirement were Brigadier Generals John Bagabo, John Bosco Rutikanga, Johnson Hodari, and Firmin Bayingana.
While such changes are not uncommon in Rwanda, this latest reshuffle follows a meeting between Kagame and top military leaders to “discuss the peace and security priorities of Rwanda,” according to a military source who spoke with AFP. During the meeting, Kagame reportedly accused several generals of a “lack of discipline.”
Additionally, the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) on Friday dismissed 21 senior officers, including Division General Martin Nzaramba. According to RDF spokesperson Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga, Nzaramba, 57, was dismissed for corruption and the misappropriation of funds intended for soldiers’ welfare during his tenure as Director of the Basic Military Training Center.
Rwivanga did not provide further details when asked.
In June 2023, Kagame dismissed several high-ranking officers for “lack of discipline” and replaced the defense minister, army chief of staff, and land forces chief of staff. Over 200 soldiers were also dismissed during that period.
Kagame, who was re-elected in early August for a fourth term, has previously described such reshuffles as “a normal thing.” While he is credited with rebuilding Rwanda after the 1994 genocide, he faces accusations of ruling the country through fear.