Defence minister James Kabarebe has thanked recently-retired Generals and other senior officers of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF), saying their contribution to the Liberation Struggle and stopping of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi remains invaluable to the nation.
Defence minister James Kabarebe has thanked recently-retired Generals and other senior officers of the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF), saying their contribution to the Liberation Struggle and stopping of the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi remains invaluable to the nation.
Kabarebe was on Monday presiding over a ceremony for the discharge of the officers at RDF Senior Officers Mess in Kimihurura, Kigali.
"On behalf of the Commander-in-Chief, I wish to extend the gratitude and appreciation to those who are retiring for their selflessness in the liberation struggle and contribution to the process of developing their country,” the minister said.
The ceremony was attended by RDF Service Chiefs, Generals and Senior Officers, as well as retiring officers’ spouses.
"You have all made personal sacrifices and contributed to make Rwanda a country we are proud to call home,” Kabarebe added.
He urged the officers and men to use their experience and expertise to continue supporting the nation in whatever they will be engaged.
Lt Gen Caesar Kayizari, who spoke on behalf of the retiring officers, thanked the RDF leadership, the RDF Commander-in-Chief, President Paul Kagame, in particular, for advice and enduring values in their journey of military service.
"We have walked together a long journey but a very useful journey, we have fought as a team, we have very close ties with RDF that nurtured us and built us, wherever we go we shall never disappoint you,” Gen Kayizari said, adding that they are retiring but not tired to serve their nation.
Other RDF officers retired include Maj Gen Sam Kaka; Maj Gen Frank Mugambage, Maj Gen Paul Rwarakabije and Brig Gen George Rwigamba.
Similar send-off ceremonies were conducted for junior officers and other ranks in their respective units.
This is the fourth time RDF retires its military personnel in the last three years, in accordance with the RDF Special Statute.
During the 2016 phase, 371 career officers and other ranks have been retired, 353 under contract military personnel have concluded their service contracts with Rwanda Defence Forces, while 51 military personnel have been discharged on medical grounds.
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