Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame, has chosen Gen. (Rtd) James Kabarebe, the former defence Minister, to become the new Minister of State for Foreign Affairs in charge of Regional Cooperation. This decision was announced by Rwanda’s Office of the Prime Minister on Wednesday evening.
Gen. Kabarebe is taking over this role from Manasseh Nshuti, who will now serve as a senior advisor in the President’s Office, handling special assignments.
In his new role, Gen. Kabarebe will be responsible for overseeing regional matters on behalf of Rwanda. This appointment comes at a time when there are increased tensions in the region, and Rwanda’s military remains on alert along its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo).
The relations between Rwanda and DR Congo have strained due to their respective support for armed groups operating in the eastern part of DR Congo.
The reasons behind President Kagame’s selection of Gen. Kabarebe for this diplomatic role are not yet clear. However, Gen. Kabarebe has extensive connections within the Great Lakes region.
For many years, Gen. Kabarebe was considered a potential successor to President Paul Kagame. It remains to be seen whether this new appointment is intended to provide Gen. Kabarebe, who has served in the military for over 30 years, with diplomatic experience.
Born in Uganda, Gen. Kabarebe served in Uganda’s armed forces before playing significant roles in the liberation of Rwanda from Juvenal Habyarimana’s regime. He also led military operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which resulted in the ousting of President Sseseko Mobutu.