Kinyarwanda
English
Swahili
President Kagame Promotes Rwanda Defence Force Officers, Including New Brigadier Generals
President of the Republic of Rwanda and Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Paul Kagame, has made significant promotions within the military, elevating numerous officers to higher ranks, including Colonels Innocent Munyengango and François Regis Gatarayiha, who have been elevated to Brigadier General.
The RDF leadership announced the changes on the morning of Friday, 12 December 2025. The promotions are part of a broader restructuring, which also includes 43 Lieutenant Colonels being promoted to Colonel, 253 Majors advancing to Lieutenant Colonel, and more than 7,800 junior soldiers moving from Private to Corporal.
Other ranks, including Staff Sergeant, Sergeant, and Corporal, were also promoted according to their responsibilities.
The RDF spokesperson emphasized that the new ranks take effect immediately. These promotions are intended to enhance operational efficiency, strengthen the armed forces, and reinforce professionalism in safeguarding national security and maintaining lasting peace.
