A new chapter has begun within the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) following the appointment of Brigadier General Patrick Karuretwa as the military’s new spokesperson.
The appointment was announced on June 17, 2026, through an official RDF communication issued under the authority of President Paul Kagame, who also serves as Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force.
Karuretwa takes over from Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga, who recently assumed leadership of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF), a regional military mechanism designed to respond rapidly to security and humanitarian crises across Eastern Africa.
As the new face and voice of the RDF, Brig Gen Karuretwa will be responsible for communicating the force’s activities, policies and strategic positions to both domestic and international audiences. At the same time, he will continue serving as Director General for International Military Cooperation within Rwanda’s Ministry of Defence.
His appointment places one of Rwanda’s most experienced military officers at the center of public military communication. Karuretwa’s career spans more than three decades, beginning in 1992 when he joined the Rwanda Patriotic Army during the liberation struggle. At the time, he was only 18 years old.
Alongside his military service, he pursued an extensive academic path. He studied law at the University of Rwanda before advancing his education in the United States at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.
There, he earned graduate qualifications in international relations and international law while also undertaking advanced studies focused on international security and human security between 2008 and 2009.
Over the years, Karuretwa has held a wide range of strategic assignments. His responsibilities have included serving in the Presidential Guard, commanding Rwanda’s Second Division, and advising President Kagame on military and security matters between 2011 and 2016.
His influence also extended into the highest levels of government administration. From November 2013 until July 2021, he served as the President’s Private Secretary, a position that required close coordination with the Head of State on key national and international engagements.
Beyond executive responsibilities, Karuretwa has also played a significant role in military justice. In December 2024, he was appointed President of the High Military Court while simultaneously maintaining his responsibilities in international military cooperation.
His combination of operational military experience, legal expertise, diplomatic exposure and senior leadership positions has made him one of the most versatile officers within Rwanda’s security establishment.
Observers view his appointment as a reflection of the confidence placed in him by the country’s leadership. Having served in combat, military command, government advisory roles, presidential administration and military justice, Karuretwa brings a uniquely broad perspective to his new responsibility.
As he begins speaking on behalf of the Rwanda Defence Force, expectations are high that his extensive experience and deep understanding of Rwanda’s security institutions will strengthen communication between the military, the public and international partners.
His appointment marks not only a change in spokespersons but also the continuation of a leadership journey that has closely followed Rwanda’s modern military and national development history for more than three decades.
