New Defence Minister, Military chiefs sworn in

PARLIAMENT - President Paul Kagame, yesterday, acknowledged and appreciated the role  of the newly appointed Military leaders, Gen. James Kabarebe (Minister of Defense), Lt. Gen.Charles Kayonga, (Chief of Defence Staff), Lt.Gen. Ceasar Kayizari (Chief of Staff, Land Forces)  and Lt.Gen. Charles Muhire. (Commander Reserve Force), in the Liberation and subsequent defence of the territorial intergrity of the country.

Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Defence minister Gen. James Kabarebe. (Photo / J. Mbanda)

PARLIAMENT - President Paul Kagame, yesterday, acknowledged and appreciated the role  of the newly appointed Military leaders, Gen. James Kabarebe (Minister of Defense), Lt. Gen.Charles Kayonga, (Chief of Defence Staff), Lt.Gen. Ceasar Kayizari (Chief of Staff, Land Forces)  and Lt.Gen. Charles Muhire. (Commander Reserve Force), in the Liberation and subsequent defence of the territorial intergrity of the country.

The President, who was officiating at the swearing in ceremony of the new Minister of Defense and military chiefs of the Rwanda Defense Forces, said that he had no doubt the new appointees would fullfil their new responsibilities given the various leadership roles they have previously had within the Forces.

Kagame, however, denounced the people who have made it a habit to spread and trade baseless rumours.

The President, was referring to rumours recently carried in certain local publications, suggesting that some senior RDF officers, including those who had just taken oath had been detained. Even after they have seen tham and talked to them, kagame said,  those spreading the rumours still maintained they were in detention.

Kagame challenged the leaders to fulfill their responsibilities by guarding against the spread of rumours, as they are designed to create instability in the country. He went on to say that there is no reason why Rwandans should not have confidence in themselves and their country.

And, to those who deal in rumours, the President said that they would not be allowed to  distabilise the peace and security of the Rwandan people.

He further said that enough blood was shed in the country and no body would be allowed to once again mess up the people’s lives.

Kagame reminded those present about Rwanda’s history and the determination to develop the country.

He emphasized that Rwandans need to learn from the country’s history and what it is today to make proper projections for the future, reminding that the country is not where it is today by chance, but rather a result of hard work.

The President called upon the leaders to work hard for the peace and development of the Rwandan people.

Ends