Kagame Retires 9 RDF Generals
Kagame retires RDF generals in a major leadership transition announced on July 29, 2025. The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) confirmed the retirement of nine top-ranking generals, highlighting a shift in the country’s military structure.
The decision was announced on Tuesday, July 29, 2025, through a statement shared by the Rwanda Defence Force on its official platform.
This announcement marks a significant shift in the top leadership of Rwanda’s military forces.
List of Retired Generals
The following generals were approved for retirement:
- Maj Gen Andrew Kagame
- Maj Gen Wilson Gumisiriza
- Brig Gen Joseph Demali
- Brig Gen Fred Muziraguharara
- Brig Gen James Ruzibiza
- Brig Gen Frank Mutembe
- Brig Gen Pascal Muhizi
- Brig Gen Nelson Rwigema
- Brig Gen Jean Paul Karangwa
These senior officers have served the country in key military roles over the years and contributed to Rwanda’s defense and international peacekeeping efforts.
Contributions Made by the Retired Officers
Maj Gen Wilson Gumisiriza’s Statement.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Maj Gen (Rtd) Wilson Gumisiriza thanked President Kagame for his leadership and trust.
“We are proud of our journey and deeply appreciate the vision and direction of our Commander-in-Chief,” he said.
Notable Roles in RDF and Beyond.
- Maj Gen Gumisiriza was previously the head of the Mechanised Infantry Division, leading Rwanda’s tank and heavy vehicle operations.
- Maj Gen Andrew Kagame served as the commander of the 1st Division of RDF.
- Brig Gen Joseph Demali represented Rwanda in Kenya as Defence Attaché and also led the Air Force as its Chief of Staff.
- Brig Gen Fred Muziraguharara led the RDF’s investment company, Horizon Group, and also worked in finance and personnel management within the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS).
- Brig Gen James Ruzibiza was responsible for civil-military relations (Chief J9).
- Brig Gen Frank Mutembe commanded the RDF Task Force Division.
- Brig Gen Pascal Muhizi led the 2nd Division in the Northern Province and had experience in Mozambique during peacekeeping missions.
- Brig Gen Nelson Rwigema headed the Reserve Force in the Western Province.
- Brig Gen Jean Paul Karangwa once led Rwandan peacekeeping forces in the Central African Republic.
Over 1,000 Additional Soldiers Also Retired
In addition to the nine generals, President Kagame approved the retirement of:
- 120 senior officers
- 26 junior officers
- 927 enlisted soldiers
This is one of the largest retirement moves in RDF history and paves the way for new leadership and restructuring within the army.
Army Transformation and National Stability.
The RDF is going through several reforms to modernize and improve performance.
Earlier this year, Rwanda also received an eye treatment aircraft to support national health services—showing how the country is balancing military strength with public health and development.
This large-scale military retirement follows previous leadership reshuffles aimed at strengthening Rwanda’s defense strategy and preparing the army for future national and regional missions.
What’s Next for RDF?
The retirement of these officers opens up space for younger RDF members to grow in leadership. The government continues to invest in security training and military professionalism as a way to ensure peace in Rwanda and its region.
Internal sources say new appointments to replace the retired officers will be made in the coming weeks.
