Rwanda: President Kagame appoints Maj Gen Alex Kagame as head of reserve forces

President of Republic of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, the Commander-in-Chief of Rwanda’s Defense Forces, has appointed Maj Gen Alex Kagame as the new Chief of the Reserve Forces, while Maj Gen Andrew Kagame has been named Commander of the 1st Division, which operates in the City of Kigali and the Eastern Province.

Maj Gen Alex Kagame takes over the role from Major General (Rtd) Ambassador Frank Mugambage. Prior to his new assignment, Maj Gen Alex had recently completed his duties as the Joint Task Force Commander, coordinating security forces operations in Mozambique.

Maj Gen Andrew Kagame, who has been promoted to lead the 1st Division, previously served as the Deputy Chief of the Reserve Forces. He succeeds Maj Gen Emmy Ruvusha, who was recently appointed the new Joint Task Force Coordinator for Rwanda’s security operations in Mozambique.

Maj Gen Alex Kagame is recognized as one of the senior military leaders who played a pivotal role in Rwanda’s liberation struggle. He joined the army in 1987 and has since held various key positions throughout his military career.

He has commanded several divisions within the Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF). Notably, in February 2016, he was appointed as the head of the Presidential Guard, responsible for protecting the President and other senior government officials. Before that, he led the 3rd Division in the Western Province, the 2nd Division in the Northern Province, and the 4th Division in the Southern Province at different times.

Maj Gen Alex Kagame has undergone extensive military training both in Rwanda and abroad. His international education includes a Military Command Course in Kenya, where he also earned a degree in International Relations. He further pursued advanced military studies in China, first completing a three-month Command Course and later obtaining a Master’s Degree in Military Science after a year of study at China’s National Defense University.

The appointment of Maj Gen Alex Kagame as Chief of the Reserve Forces and Maj Gen Andrew Kagame as Commander of the 1st Division marks a significant reshuffling in the RDF’s leadership. Both generals bring extensive experience and knowledge to their new roles, positioning them to lead effectively as Rwanda continues to prioritize national security and stability.

Their combined expertise in military strategy and operations, both domestically and internationally, underscores the government’s commitment to maintaining a strong and well-coordinated defense force.