The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) has released new photos of the seven female officers who were recently promoted to the rank of Colonel. In the photos, all the senior officers have their military pips including their gorget patches.

They are the first Rwandan women to ever make it to the rank of Colonel.

The officers include Col. Betty Dukuze, who serves at the RDF General Headquarters; Col. Belina Kayirangwa, who also works at RDF Headquarters (J3); Col. Séraphine Nyirasafari, who is deployed in the Ministry of Defence; and Col. Marie-Claire Muragijimana, who is working with the RDF Engineering Command.

Others are Col Lydia Bagwaneza, who is attached to the Republican Guard; Col. Lausanne Ingabire, who is currently at the Musanze-based RDF Command and Staff College; and Col. Stella Uwineza, who serves in the RDF Airforce.

ALSO READ: A teenage girl&039;s journey to liberating her country: The story of Lt Col Bagwaneza

Meanwhile, during the promotions that were announced earlier this week, four Brigadier Generals were promoted to Major General while 17 Colonels were elevated to the rank of Brigadier General.

Other promotions included 83 Lieutenant Colonels (including the female officers) were promoted to Colonel, while 98 Majors were promoted to Lieutenant Colonel.

In addition, 295 Captains were promoted to the rank of Major, while four Lieutenants were promoted to the rank of Captain, and 226 Non-Commissioned Officers were promoted to Second Lieutenant.