Category: News

The announcement was made by the RDF on the evening of Tuesday, July 29, 2025.

Among those retiring are two Major Generals and seven Brigadier Generals.

The last time RDF personnel at the rank of General retired was in 2023. That cohort included prominent figures such as Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, Gen (Rtd) Fred Ibingira, Lt Gen (Rtd) Frank Mushyo Kamanzi, Lt Gen (Rtd) Charles Kayonga, and others.

In this article, we take a closer look at the careers of the Generals who have now transitioned into retirement.

{{Maj Gen Andrew Kagame}}

Major General Andrew Kagame is among the senior RDF officers who have officially retired.

He most recently served as the Commander of the 1st Division, which covers Kigali City and the Eastern Province.

He was appointed to this role in October 2024, replacing Maj Gen Emmy Ruvusha, who was named Coordinator of Rwanda’s Security Operations in Mozambique.

Prior to this assignment, Maj Gen Kagame served as the Deputy Commander of the Reserve Force.

{{Maj Gen Wilson Gumisiriza}}

Major General Wilson Gumisiriza was born in 1962 in Uganda, where his parents had taken refuge.

He played an active role in the Rwandan Liberation Struggle, and held the rank of Major by the end of the campaign.

During the struggle, he served as the Head of Intelligence for the 157th Battalion, which played a critical role in the capture of the Gako Military Academy.

The 157th Battalion was also home to several other prominent military leaders, including Gen (Rtd) Fred Ibingira, Maj Gen (Rtd) Eric Murokore, and the current RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Mubarak Muganga.

Over the course of his military career, Maj Gen Gumisiriza held several key leadership roles within the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). He served as Commander of the Armoured and Mechanized Division, and later led the 3rd Division, which operates in Rwanda’s Western Province.

He also previously commanded the 501 Brigade.

In recent years, Maj Gen Gumisiriza has provided strategic guidance to RDF troops deployed to Cabo Delgado, Mozambique, as part of Rwanda’s counter-terrorism efforts in the region.

{{Brig Gen Joseph Demali}}

Brigadier General Joseph Demali served in the Rwanda Air Force. Throughout his career, he held several key positions within the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), including serving as the Air Force Chief of Staff from 2013 to 2014.

He also represented Rwanda abroad, serving as the Defence Attaché at the Rwandan Embassy in Turkey, and later in the same role at the Rwandan Embassy in Kenya.

{{Brig Gen Fred Muziraguharara}}

Brigadier General Fred Muziraguharara held various key positions throughout his career in the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).

Between 1998 and 2000, he served as the Director of Research. From 2005 to 2006, he was the Chief Instructor at the Gako Military Academy.

In 2007–2008, he served as the Director of Operations in the RDF, before being deployed to the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Darfur, where he served as Chief of Strategic Planning.

From 2010 to 2012, Brig Gen Muziraguharara was the Director of Planning within the RDF.

He later represented the RDF at the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region (ICGLR).

He also served as the Director General of Administration and Finance at the National Intelligence and Security Service (NISS) from 2013 to 2018.

As of now, Fred Muziraguharara serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Horizon Group Ltd.

He was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in January 2018, rising from the rank of Colonel.

{{Brig Gen James Ruzibiza}}

In 2019, James Ruzibiza was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General and appointed as the Commander of the Engineering Brigade within the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).

He also served as the Chief of Civil-Military Relations (Chief J9), overseeing collaboration and engagement between the military and civilian populations.

{{Brig Gen Frank Mutembe}}

Brigadier General Frank Mutembe recently served as the Commander of the 2nd Infantry Division Commander in the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF). He was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in 2019, from the rank of Colonel.

As part of Rwanda’s counter-terrorism mission in Mozambique, Brig Gen Mutembe served as the Task Force Battle Group Commander, a role he held until 2023.

He also previously served as the RDF Task Force Division Commander and commanded Rwandan peacekeeping forces deployed to Darfur under a United Nations mission.

{{Brig Gen Pascal Muhizi}}

Brigadier General Pascal Muhizi most recently served as the Commander of the 5th Division of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), operating in the Eastern Province.

He also previously commanded the 2nd Division, which is based in the Northern Province.
He was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in June 2021.

Brig Gen Muhizi served as the Battle Group Task Force Commander of Rwandan troops deployed in the Mozambique counter-terrorism mission.

{{Brig Gen Nelson Rwigema}}

Nelson Rwigema was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in 2019. Over the course of his military career, he held several key positions, including Commander of the 2nd Division, operating in the Northern Province, and Commander of the Reserve Force in the Western Province.

{{Brig Gen Jean Paul Karangwa}}

Jean Paul Karangwa was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in 2019, from the rank of Colonel. Following his promotion, he was appointed as the Commander of the Military Police Regiment in the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).

He also previously served as the Commander of RDF forces in Kigali City.

In a Telegram message from FARDC leadership, soldiers were reminded to respect the ongoing peace process and abide by the agreed ceasefire terms.

The directive further emphasised that while soldiers must prioritise peace, they are authorised to respond with proportionate force if attacked by the enemy.

The DRC government and AFC/M23 signed a declaration of principles in Qatar on July 19, 2025, aimed at ending the fighting in eastern DRC. The agreement serves as a roadmap toward a comprehensive peace deal.

The deal calls for a complete cessation of hostilities, with each side remaining within its current areas of control and refraining from attempting to seize new territory.

However, despite the commitments, government-backed Wazalendo militias have repeatedly attacked AFC/M23 positions, disrupting peace in the Masisi, Rutshuru, and Walikale territories.

Last week, AFC/M23 recaptured the Mulema area in Nyamaboko 1 groupement, Masisi, from Wazalendo forces, following attacks by Wazalendo in Luke and Katobotobo.

Sources from North Kivu report that since July 29, AFC/M23 has been reinforcing its fighters in the Kateku area of Ikobo groupement in Walikale territory amid claims that the government forces are preparing for renewed conflict.

During the ceremony, the President reaffirmed the strong ties between Rwanda and China, describing China as a long-standing and reliable partner.

As Xinhua reported, he expressed his commitment to further strengthening the traditional friendship and enhancing practical cooperation between the two nations.

President Kagame also assured that the Government and people of Rwanda will extend full support and facilitation to Ambassador Gao as he undertakes his diplomatic mission.

Amb. Gao conveyed President Xi Jinping’s cordial greetings, and hailed the strategic guidance of the two heads of state, where China-Rwanda relations have been elevated to a comprehensive strategic partnership featuring fruitful cooperation on all fronts.

China stands ready to work together with the Rwandan side to enhance political mutual trust and promote practical cooperation to deliver more tangible benefits to the two peoples, the Chinese ambassador added.

China has emerged as one of the countries that clearly sees the investment potential in Rwanda. Over the past five years, it has consistently ranked among the top sources of foreign direct investment into the country.

In 2024 alone, Chinese investments in Rwanda reached $460 million, surpassing $445 million from India.

In previous years, Chinese investment figures were $79.1 million in 2023, $182.4 million in 2022, $357.7 million in 2021, and $282 million in 2020.

Across this five-year period, China led all other countries in the volume of investments made in Rwanda in four out of five years.

Beyond attracting Chinese investment, Rwanda is also expanding its exports to China at a notable pace.

Between 2021 and 2024, Rwandan exports to China grew from $16 million to over $100 million, representing more than a fivefold increase in just four years.

In 2024 alone, Rwandan exports to China rose by 29.5%.

This growth reflects a broader strengthening of bilateral trade, with the total trade volume between Rwanda and China reaching $1.6 billion in 2024, up from $742 million in 2021.

Ambassador Gao Wenqi assumed his post as China’s new Ambassador to Rwanda recently, succeeding Wang Xuekun, who completed his term at the beginning of this year .

This partnership is a significant milestone for Rwanda as it is the first African nation to host the world’s biggest cycling event in the competition’s 125-year history.

The UCI Road World Championship is one of the most prestigious events in international cycling, drawing elite athletes, industry stakeholders, and fans from around the world.

The weeklong competition will bring global attention to Kigali and is expected to deliver high-level racing, sportsmanship, and a celebration of cycling culture.

BRALIRWA’s sponsorship reflects its long-standing commitment to supporting community-focused initiatives. As Rwanda welcomes international visitors and athletes, BRALIRWA will play a central role in promoting unity, excellence, and national pride through its portfolio of beverage brands.

“We are delighted to welcome BRALIRWA as the official beverage sponsor of the 2025 UCI Road World Championships,” said Samson Ndayishimiye, President of Rwanda Cycling Federation (FERWACY). “Their support brings added energy to what will be a defining moment for Rwandan sport.”

During the championship, BRALIRWA will organize fan zones, sports workshops, and community screenings of the races. These activities will be hosted in local neighborhoods to encourage participation, promote sportsmanship, and provide entertainment and refreshment in an inclusive setting.

“We will create spaces where communities can come together to celebrate the championship, enjoy our beverages, and share the joy of true togetherness,” said Lieke, BRALIRWA’s Marketing Director.

“Through our fan zones and activations, we aim to offer memorable experiences while also promoting responsible enjoyment throughout the event.”

As the official beverage sponsor, BRALIRWA aims to contribute to a successful and memorable championship while supporting a lasting legacy for Rwanda’s sporting and community development.

Adopted unanimously by the 15-member council, Resolution 2789 instructs all the member states to “take the necessary measures to prevent the direct or indirect supply, sale or transfer of arms and related materiel of all types to armed groups and associated individuals operating in that country,” according to a UNSC meeting coverage.

It also extends the mandate of the panel of experts that assists in the implementation of the sanctions until Aug. 31, 2026.

The UNSC lifted last year the arms embargo on the CAR government through Resolution 2745, but left in place the arms embargo on armed groups and associated individuals operating in the CAR and the targeted measures of asset freeze and travel ban against entities and individuals designated by the Sanctions Committee.

In a statement, Downing Street called on Israel to immediately allow the United Nations to resume the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza to prevent starvation, agree to a ceasefire, and clearly state that there will be no annexations in the West Bank.

The statement also called on Hamas to immediately release all hostages.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer elaborated on the conditional nature of recognizing a Palestinian state during a press conference on Tuesday. He said the British government’s primary goal is to change the reality on the ground, and that “this is intended to further that cause.”

Starmer also explained the timing of the announcement: “I’m particularly concerned that the idea of a two-state solution is receding and feels further away today than it has for many years.”

“There is no better solution for the future of the region than two states,” with Israel living with its secure borders recognized and at peace with their neighbors free from the threat of terrorism, and Palestinians living in their own state, in dignity and security free of occupations, said British Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Tuesday at a high-level international conference on “The Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution” held at the UN headquarters.

At a media press stakeout after his statement at the meeting, Lammy said the decision that has been taken “puts us on a pathway towards recognition” of the State of Palestine.

“We have seen the most terrific scenes. The global community is deeply offended by children being shot and killed as they reach out for aid,” he told reporters.

More than 200 members of parliament from nine political parties signed a letter to the prime minister and Lammy on Saturday, calling on the government to recognize a Palestinian state.

The [Henley Passport Index->https://cdn.henleyglobal.com/storage/app/media/HPI/Henley%20Passport%20Index%202025%20July%20Global%20Ranking.pdf], widely regarded as the original and most authoritative ranking of global passport strength, evaluates the travel freedom of 199 passports against 227 destinations.

The ranking is based on the number of countries a passport holder can access without needing a visa in advance. With historical data spanning two decades and expert analysis updated regularly, the index has become an essential tool for global citizens and a trusted reference point for policymakers worldwide.

In its July 2025 edition, the index exposes a stark divide between the most and least powerful passports. At the top of the list is Singapore, whose citizens can travel to an impressive 193 destinations without needing a visa in advance, making it the world’s most powerful passport once again.

Japan, South Korea, and a bloc of European countries, including Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, closely follow, with scores ranging from 190 to 189.

In contrast, at the very bottom sits Afghanistan, whose passport grants visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to just 25 destinations, the lowest score on the index. Syria follows with access to 27 destinations, while Iraq ranks just above with 30.

Citizens of Pakistan, Yemen, and Somalia fare slightly better, though still severely limited, with access to 32 destinations each. Meanwhile, Libya and Nepal round out the group with a modest 38 destinations.

The rankings reflect more than just travel limitations; they underscore broader issues of conflict, governance, and diplomatic isolation.

Countries at the bottom of the list are often plagued by internal instability, strained international relations, and economic hardship, all of which directly affect their citizens’ ability to move freely across borders.

On the African continent, there have been some noteworthy shifts, with Rwanda steadily improving its rankings over the years.

In the latest ranking, the Rwandan passport now offers visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 63 destinations, a score that places it ahead of several of its regional peers and signals growing confidence in the country’s stability, diplomacy, and openness.

This places Rwanda in the 23rd position in Africa and 73rd globally, ahead of several countries in the region, including Mozambique (62) and Togo (60).

Other East African nations in Rwanda’s neighbourhood rank closely: Kenya has access to 71 destinations, Tanzania to 70, Uganda and Zambia to 67, while Burundi lags behind with 48.

The most recent country to grant [ visa-free access to Rwanda is Antigua and Barbuda->https://en.igihe.com/news/article/rwanda-antigua-and-barbuda-ink-deals-on-visa-waiver-health-tourism], through a bilateral agreement signed on July 18, 2025.

He made these remarks on July 29, 2025, during a parliamentary session where Members of Parliament voted to ratify the Peace Agreement between Rwanda and the DRC. The agreement was signed in Washington, D.C., United States, on June 27, 2025.

MP Minani Bizimana raised concerns about expectations for Rwanda to lift its defensive measures while the root causes of insecurity have not yet been resolved.

He asked, “Is national defense now considered a crime? Even powerful nations maintain defense systems, including satellite surveillance. So why would it be a problem for Rwanda to do the same?”

In response, Minister Nduhungirehe highlighted that trusting the DRC remains difficult.

“We signed the agreement, but we know these people—we’ve worked with them and we’re still in contact. There are mercenaries fighting on the front lines. You saw Romanian mercenaries pass through Kigali, and now they have brought in others from Colombia… we told them, ‘this is happening right in front of you, and you are watching.’”

He emphasized that Rwanda expects the DRC to fully implement the commitments it signed onto.

“What we are asking for is political will. As we have always said, we cannot accept any situation that threatens Rwanda’s security or that of its people. That is non-negotiable. That is why our defense measures will remain in place until a clear and visible resolution is achieved.”

Minister Nduhungirehe further stated that Rwanda cannot dismantle its security structures as long as the FDLR, whose presence prompted the measures, is still active and has not been dismantled, as stipulated in the agreement.

He explained that the peace process would begin with encouraging FDLR fighters to voluntarily repatriate. For those who refuse, military force would be used to neutralize the threat.

Minister Nduhungirehe made this clear on July 29, 2025, during a session of the Chamber of Deputies to ratify the recently signed peace agreement between Rwanda and the DRC.

MP Christine Mukabunani had asked whether Rwanda’s participation in the peace deal might prompt countries that had sanctioned it to reconsider their decisions.

She posed the question: “Given Rwanda’s decision to sign this agreement, do you expect the countries that imposed sanctions to lift them now?”

In response, Minister Nduhungirehe clarified that the Rwanda-DRC agreement was never intended as a means to have sanctions lifted, and that Rwanda signed it solely out of its commitment to regional peace.

“The Washington Agreement was not aimed at removing sanctions,” he said. “The countries that imposed those measures did so for their own reasons — reasons we have openly rejected. We made our position clear, including recently, because these sanctions have also prevented those countries, particularly in Europe and North America, from meaningfully contributing to the search for solutions.”

He noted that some countries that had imposed sanctions later attempted to participate in the peace process, but Rwanda dismissed their involvement.

“There were actors who tried to re-enter the conversation through manipulative channels under the guise of supporting this agreement. Yet these are the same countries that, as recently as January and February, were threatening further sanctions. They didn’t speak about the region — they explicitly sided with Congo.”

Nduhungirehe emphasised that Rwanda’s decision to sign the agreement had nothing to do with seeking favours from those nations.

“These agreements are not about pleading. We are not here to beg anyone. Let them do as they wish. We signed the agreement because we want peace in the region — not to convince European countries to lift sanctions.”

He added that the sanctions imposed on Rwanda had served as a lesson, encouraging the country to become more self-reliant and to guard against foreign aid being used as a form of pressure or coercion.

“These past months have taught us an important lesson. Rwanda must build its own resilience and avoid becoming dependent on aid that is weaponised for political purposes. Every cent we receive must be used for its intended development goals. If donors use funding to advance political agendas, we reject that — and even now, we are not pleading for sanctions to be lifted. They can make their own decisions, since they were the ones who imposed the sanctions in the first place.”

Several Western nations, including Belgium, imposed sanctions on Rwanda, accusing it of playing a role in the insecurity in Eastern DRC. In response, Rwanda severed diplomatic ties with Belgium, citing its bias and efforts to rally the international community to impose further punitive measures.

Rwanda has consistently stated that it will not be intimidated by foreign sanctions aimed at dictating its internal affairs, especially when its actions are rooted in preserving national security and the interests of its people.

During the parliamentary session on Tuesday, members of the Chamber of Deputies unanimously voted in favour of the agreement, which seeks to restore peace in the Great Lakes Region by addressing longstanding security issues.

Dr. Gasore made these remarks on July 29, 2025, during an inspection visit to the Nyabarongo River.

In an interview with RBA, the minister described the situation as critical, noting that the reduced river flow is already affecting water production capacity. He announced the formation of task forces to monitor the situation and manage the limited supply more effectively.

“This is a serious issue that has disrupted the volume of water reaching Kigali,” he said. “As an immediate response, we’ve established a mobile team to inspect our water distribution networks and ensure equitable access to the available supply, as we continue to work on long-term solutions.”

Water from the Nzove plant is distributed to several areas across Kigali, including Gisozi, Kibagabaga, Nyarutarama, Kimihurura, Bumbogo, Birembo, the Special Economic Zone, Gasanze, Karama, Mont Kigali, Kimisange, Nyanza in Kicukiro, Mageragere, and Rebero.