Kigali, 15 July 2014

For the second time, on 15th July 2014, Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) organised a send-off ceremony to honour the service and sacrifice for the nation of 843 RDF personnel who have reached their retirement age or whose service contracts have come to the end. The colourful ceremony was presided over by Hon. Gen James Kabarebe, the Minister of Defence, at Senior Officers’ Mess, in Kimihurura.

In his speech, the Minister of Defence (Pictured above), hailed the retirees for their personal sacrifices, service rendered and contribution to what Rwanda is today.

“You have all made personal sacrifices and contributed to make Rwanda a country we are proud to call home. You go to retirement when the country is celebrating 20 years of liberation. You have all contributed to the liberation of Rwanda personally and collectively at various stages”, said Minister Kabarebe before adding that retirement is a normal phase in military career.

The RDF Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Patrick Nyamvumba, also commended the retirees for their national service and contribution to the RDF of today. “I strongly thank you for your dedication and selflessness in service,” he noted.

On behalf of the retirees, Retired (Rtd) Lt Gen Charles K Muhire expressed deep appreciation to the Commander-in-Chief and the entire RDF community, underlining that as they retire they are confident that the younger generation in uniform will undoubtedly carry on serving the Nation.

“We are indebted to the Commander-in-Chief whom we served under, who made us understand the art of war, values of unreserved service to the motherland, taught us what dignity is all about, honour, love and commitment. We’ve been privileged to serve in one of the best armies in Africa and we are confident that our young generation in uniform will carry on with the same determination and love of our country”, Lt Gen Muhire declared.

Lt Gen (Rtd) Charles K Muhire receiving retirement certficate from Minister of Defence, Gen James Kabarebe. Photos/MoD

Those who received their retirement certificates from the Minister of Defence include: Lt Gen Charles K Muhire, former Air Force Chief of Staff, Brig Gen Dr. Norbert Kalimba, Col Munyaneza Muzungu, Col Michael Nkurunziza, Col Charles Shema, Col Martin Ndamage, Col Callixte Kanimba, Lt Col Thomas Mpezamihigo and Lt Col Eugene Rutagengwa.

The process of retirement and termination of contract within RDF is governed by the Presidential Order No 32/01 of 03/09/2012 establishing Rwanda Defence Forces Special Statute.

Maj René Ngendahimana, the Deputy Defence and military spokesperson revealed to the media that all the retired servicemen and women will each receive a send-off package worth their respective monthly gross salary times 36 months.

The yesterday farewell ceremony was attended by retiring Generals and Senior Officers as well as their spouses.

Source: MOD

Placide KayitareAFRICAHUMAN RIGHTSJUSTICE AND RECONCILIATIONLATEST NEWSKigali, 15 July 2014 For the second time, on 15th July 2014, Rwanda Defence Forces (RDF) organised a send-off ceremony to honour the service and sacrifice for the nation of 843 RDF personnel who have reached their retirement age or whose service contracts have come to the end. The colourful...PUBLISHING YOUR NEWS WITH CUTTING EDGE STYLE