President Kagame: Security is essential to development

President Paul Kagame has said that security at all levels, right from family to the national levels, is essential for a country to realise sustainable development. President Kagame was speaking, yesterday, while presiding over the swearing in ceremony of the new Minister for Gender and Family Promotion, Dr Diane Gashumba; Maj Gen Jacques Musemakweli, the new Rwanda Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Land Forces; Brig Gen Charles Karamba; the Chief of Staff, Air Force, and Brig Gen Joseph Nzabamwita, the Secretary General of National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS). In his keynote address, Kagame said that, those that took the oath are concerned, at different levels, with the security of Rwandans right from the family level. “We need to provide and safeguard the security of our country and that of the nationals, for sustainable security and which will consequently lead to the development of our people,” Kagame said. Kagame added that stability requires regional and global cooperation. “As for Rwanda, we will do our part to ensure peace and contribute to regional security and beyond,” he added. Meanwhile, the President called on the new leaders to “continue” working with their colleagues to ensure the country achieves its development agenda. Earlier this month, Dr Gashumba replaced Odda Gasinzigwa as the Minister for Gender and Family Promotion (Migeprof). The Permanent Secretary in the same ministry, Henriette Umulisa, was also replaced with Jacqueline Kamanzi. Umulisa assumed a new role at the National Demobilisation and Reintegration Commission as secretary-general as well as the chief budget officer. Among other big tasks that awaits the new Gender and Family Promotion minister is guaranteeing rights and promoting social welfare of the Rwandan child, especially ensuring there are no street children, and curbing the levels of school dropout and human trafficking. The issue of street children, human trafficking, social welfare, were among those which were highly debated in the just-concluded 13th National Leadership Retreat. *********************************** Mini profiles Dr Diane Gashumba. Dr Diane Gashumba, has been working in the health sector, and previously served as director of Kibagabaga and Muhima hospitals. She is a pediatrician with more than 17 years of experience in clinical services, specifically in maternal, newborn and child health. She previously worked with Rwanda Family Health Project/CHEMONICS International, USAID Rwanda Family Health Project, and Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation. She also served at the national women’s council until 2012. ************************************************************* Maj Gen Jacques Musemakweli, new Army Chief of Staff of the RDF Land Forces replaced Lt Gen Frank Mushyo Kamanzi, who is currently in Sudan where he assumed his duties as the Force Commander of the AU-UN Hybrid Mission in Darfur (UNAMID), in January. Maj Gen Jacques Musemakweli. Musemakweli was until February 8, the Commander of the Republican Guard, and was replaced by Maj Gen Alex Kagame. RDF top brass includes a Chief of Defence Staff, Army Chief of Staff (Land Forces), Air Force Chief of Staff, and Reserve Force Chief of Staff. ************************************************************* Brig Gen Charles Karamba, was sworn in as the Chief of Staff of Rwanda Defence Forces Air Force. Brig Gen Charles Karamba. Brig Gen Karamba was appointed Air Force Chief of Staff after serving as the commandant of RDF Command and Staff College in Nyakinama, Musanze District. He replaces Brig Gen Joseph Damali. ************************************************************* Brig Gen Joseph Nzabamwita, the new Secretary-General of the National Intelligence and Security Services (NISS), was until March 22, 2016, the Military and Defence spokesperson. He replaces Lt Gen Karenzi Karake, who was appointed last week to the President’s Office as the Defence and Security Advisor to the President. Brig Gen Joseph Nzabamwita. Nzabamwita became the Military and Defence spokesperson in July 2011 having previously served as commanding officer of the 105 Battalion in Rubavu District. He has previously served as Deputy Secretary-General of the National Security Services. Prior to that, he had served as Rwanda’s Defence and Military Attaché in Washington DC, United States. Nzabamwita holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Law from Uganda’s Makerere University and a Masters in International Law from the University of Washington, US. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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President Kagame: Security is essential to development