The actions follow the overthrow of the government in Gabon by military officers, which drew censure from world leaders and celebrations from its oil-rich citizens.
In a move to reorganise the military, the Rwandan Defence Force (RDF) has retired 12 generals and others, and President Paul Biya of Cameroon has made reforms to the Ministry of Defence of that Central African nation.
Both actions follow the military seizure of Gabon, the most recent in a string of coups in Africa.
83 military professionals, including 12 generals, were reportedly retired by President Paul Kagame, according to an RDF statement on Wednesday.
General James Kabarebe, General Fred Ibingira, Lieutenant General Charles Kayonga, Lieutenant General Frank Mushyo Kamanzi, Major General Martin Nzaramba, Major General Eric Murokore, Major General Augustin Turagara, Major General Charles Karamba, Major General Albert Murasira, Brigadier General Chris Murari, Brigadier General Didace Ndahiro, and Brigadier General Emmanuel Ndahiro are among them.
RDF said that Kagame also gave his approval for other personnel to be promoted and appointed to fill their positions. The changes are effective right away.
One of the continent’s longest-serving presidents is Rwanda’s, who has been in office since 2000. He can continue to rule until 2034 according to a 2015 constitutional amendment.
HE Hazza AlQahtani, the UAE ambassador to Rwanda, and Colonel JE ACHU, the Cameroonian Defence Attaché, also met with Rwanda’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Lt Gen M Muganga.
The RDF stated in a tweet that the two parties “discussed ways to enhance defence cooperation between their respective countries.”
Biya declared a reorganisation in the defence ministry of the nation of Central Africa just prior to RDF’s announcement.
He posted on Twitter using the name X, “Decree appointing officials to the Ministry of Defence.”
The representative to the presidency in charge of the staff of the armed forces, navy, police, and air force was one of the positions changed.
In 1982, following a coup, the president of Cameroon took office. Biya, 90, has continued in the role of president despite harsh condemnation for his tolerance of authoritarianism and violations of human rights.
The action on Wednesday came just after military officials seized control of Gabon, which sparked outrage from world leaders and joy among the people of the oil-rich country in Central Africa.
