Kabarebe reassures of Rwanda’s security “for the next 100 years”

The security and territorial integrity of Rwanda is assured for more than 100 years, thanks to a strong and professional army built over the last decades, Gen James Kabarebe has said.

Kabarebe, who retired from Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) on August 30 after more than 40 years of military service, said he and 11 other retiring senior officers were confident in the Rwandan army to uphold the country’s security.

“We can assure Rwandans and everyone else that our country is well protected,” Kabarebe said during a farewell ceremony held on September 1 at the RDF Headquarters in Kigali.

The RDF has released the full speech Gen Kabarebe delivered during the farewell ceremony held in honour of the retiring generals and senior officers on September 1.

In particular, Kabarebe thanked President Paul Kagame who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the RDF, for spearheading the Liberation Struggle and building the RDF into a stable, professional army that “never gives up on its duty.”

“The way His Excellency has built our army gives the assurance that our country will be protected for the next more than 100 years,” he noted.

“Being led by His Excellency, who has never lost any single battle, and being in the RDF forces that have never lost a battle, it is of high honour,” Kabarebe noted.

Minister of Defence Juvenal Marizamunda hands over a certicificate of retirement to Gen James Kabarebe as Lt Gen Mubarakh Muganga, Chief of Defence Staff looks on. Courtesy

“For us who know the work he has done, we are very proud of him. Anyone who goes into retirement, including us who are retiring today, we are confident that our country is well assured in terms of defence.”

He said the retiring senior officers were proud of their contribution and are confident those who are still in service would uphold their legacy.

Kabarebe noted that retirement was a good practice that allowed the RDF to continue to become stronger with the enrolment of the younger generation.

Quoting Kagame’s speech in 1992 in Mukarange, Kabarebe said the RDF family will be the foundation for Rwanda’s development.

“That foundation shall never be shaken by anything; it is strong and keeps becoming stronger every day,” he noted.

Kabarebe said the retirees were patriotic and would remain ready to serve for the country in case they were needed.

RDF officers pose for a group photo during the farewell ceremony held in honour of the retiring generals and senior officers on September 1. Courtesy