The second retirement phase of the Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) has seen 843 soldiers including two generals, six colonels, and two lieutenant colonels retire. During the soldiers’ retirement send-off ceremony at the RDF Senior Officers’ Mess in Kimihurura, Tuesday evening, nine of the top ranking were presented with special certificates by defense minister James Kabarebe who extolled their service and sacrifice for the nation.
They included Lt. Gen. Charles Muhire, Brig. Gen. Nobert Kalimba, and six colonels; Munyaneza Muzungu, Alphonse Gahima, Mike Nkurunziza, Charles Shema, Martin Ndamage and Callixte Kanimba. There are also two Lieutenant Colonels, Eugene Rutagyengwa and Tom Mpezamihigo.
Muhire is former chief of staff, Air Force, while Kalimba who has also served in various capacities, including Rwanda’s Defence Liaison officer at the East African Community (EAC) and UNAMID Chief of Staff, among others. Kabarebe told the retirees that they have all contributed to the professionalization of the RDF and in national development and, that with all their personal dedication, commitment and patriotism.
“You have all made personal sacrifices and contributed to make Rwanda a country we are proud to call home. You go to retirement when the country has celebrated 20 years of liberation. You have all personally contributed to the liberation of Rwanda,” said Kabarebe.
“Most of you played an active role in the launch of the liberation struggle in October 1990, in the campaign to stop Genocide from April 7 to July 4, 1994, participation in various military campaigns both in fighting insurgencies and bringing regional and international peace”. […]