Coup Scare Triggers Mass Retirement Of Military Officers In Rwanda

Following the coup d’etat in Gabon, Central Africa on Wednesday, sit-tight African leaders have embarked on mass retirement of military officers in order to protect their position.

The President of Rwanda and Commander in Chief of Rwanda Defence Force, Paul Kagame, on Wednesday, approved the retirement of 12 Generals and dozens of other senior military officers.

“The President has approved the retirement of 83 senior officers, 06 junior officers and 86 senior non-commissioned officers (NCOS), 678 end of contract and 160 medical discharges,” the statement from the Rwanda Defence Force said.

The approval followed the overthrow of Bongo Ali Ondimba, President of Gabon, by military junta after 56 years of family rule.

Before Gabon, Mali, Burkina Faso and most recently Niger, have been under military rule in the last three years.

Those to compulsorily exit the RDF include Generals James Kabarebe, Fred Ibingira and Lt. Generals. Charles Kayonga, and Frank Mushyo Kamanzi.

The President also approved the retirement of Maj. Generals Martin Nzaramba, Eric Murokore, Augustin Turagara, Charles Karamba, and Albert Murasira.

President Kagame also approved the retirement of three Brigadier Generals namely Chris Murari, Didace Ndahiro, and Emmanuel Ndahiro.