Gen (Rtd) James Kabarebe, who recently retired from active service in the Rwanda Defence Force, has been appointed as the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation by President Paul Kagame. This move comes less than a month after his retirement. Kabarebe previously served as the Minister of Defence and has been the Special Advisor to the President on Security.
Additionally, Prime Minister Dr. Edouard Ngirente announced other key appointments. Francis Gatare is now the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB), replacing Clare Akamanzi. Gatare had previously held the CEO position at RDB from 2014 to 2017 and later served as the CEO of the Rwanda Mining Board.
Dr. Yvonne Umulisa has been appointed as the Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister, having previously served in the phased-out Ministry of Public Investments and Privatization. Alphonse Rukaburandekwe is the new Director General of Rwanda Housing Authority, and Bonny Musefano has been assigned to Rwanda’s Embassy in Tokyo as the First Counsellor.
These appointments signal significant changes in Rwanda’s leadership and strategic positions within the government.