Former defence minister Marcel Gatsinzi is among six military generals who have been retired from the Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF).The others include Brig. Gen. Andrew Rwigamba, Brig. Gen. Frank Rusagara, Brig. Gen. Alex Ibambasi, Brig. Gen. Geofrey Byegyeka, and Brig. Gen. Steven Karyango.Also retired are seven colonels and three lieutenant colonels.They include Col. Kamili Karege, Col. John Bosco Mulisa, Col. Wilson Kazungu, Col. Deogene Mudenge, Col. Mathias Murengerantwari, Col. Guido Rugumire and Col. John Zigira.Others are Lt. Col. Steven Rwabika, Lt. Col. Paul Semana and Lt. Col. David Rwiyamirira. The Defence ministry last evening hosted a farewell reception in honour of the senior officers at the Officers’ Mess in Kimihurura. Each of them received a certificate of retirement. The 16 officers are among the 79 commissioned and senior non commissioned officers of the RDF whose retirement was approved by Cabinet on Wednesday.Gatsinzi, who’s been one of the highest ranking RDF officers, spoke on behalf of the retirees at their send-off reception. He thanked the government for giving them the honour to serve their country at the top level, and promised that they will continue to contribute to the country’s security and development in several ways.Continued support Gatsinzi served as defence minister for eight years before he was transferred to head the newly created Ministry for Disaster Management and Refugee Affairs in 2010.He was a member of the Cabinet until February 2013.Defence minister James Kabarebe congratulated the retired senior commissioned officers for a job well done and wished them the best in their future endeavours. He said the ministry will continue to support them.The Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Patrick Nyamvumba, said the retired officers had greatly contributed towards creating a strong and disciplined military that the RDF is today.According to Brig. Gen. Joseph Nzabamwita, the defence and military spokesperson, all the retired servicemen and women will each receive a send-off package worth their respective salaries for 36 months.