The Chairman of RPF Inkotanyi, President Paul Kagame on Wednesday, June 7 presided over the swearing in of the new Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff of Rwanda Defence Force.

The swearing in took place two days after the Chairman, in his capacity as the as the Commander in Chief of Armed Forces, appointed Mr Juvenal Marizamunda as the defence minister and Lt Gen Mubarakh Muganga as the Chief of Defence Staff.

During the swearing ceremony that was held at Village Urugwiro, the head of state challenged the newly appointed military leaders to fulfill their new responsibilities by working hard for the peace and development of Rwandans.

He added that he had no doubt the new appointees would fulfill their new tasks given the various leadership roles they have previously held within the army.

 “I want to first thank the new leaders for accepting these new roles. The goal is one and that is to serve our country,” President Kagame said during the ceremony at Village Urugwiro.

“We have to give it our best, work effectively and at the same time keep in mind the value of our responsibilities.”

The new Minister for Defence Marizamunda replaces Maj. Gen Albert Murasira, who has served in the position since 2018.

Marizamunda was until his new appointment the Commissioner General of Rwanda Correctional Service (RCS).

Under the new changes, Lt Gen Mubarakh Muganga was appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff, replacing Gen Jean-Bosco Kazura, who has served in this capacity since November 2019.