In a significant reorganization, Rwandan President Paul Kagame named new military and intelligence commanders.
The president named Juvénal Marizamunda as the next defense minister, succeeding Maj Gen Albert Murasira, who has held the position since 2018.
Lt Gen Mubarakh Muganga, the new army head, will take over from Gen Jean Bosco Kazura, who has led the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) since November 2019.
A reorganization in which both the defense minister and the army chief are sacked is unusual in Rwanda.
There have been no explanations for the reshuffle. Mr Kagame would occasionally openly hint at the cause for past adjustments to the military’s highest ranks.
Mr Kagame also selected a new army chief of staff (land forces) and the head of military intelligence in the Monday night reshuffle.
In another step, he replaced the top commanders of Rwandan troops stationed in Mozambique to assist in the war against extremist Islamists.
