Rwanda: Kagame sacks foreign minister in mini reshuffle

By James Tasamba

KIGALI, Rwanda (AA) - Rwandan President Paul Kagame announced a mini reshuffle in the government, replacing foreign and international cooperation minister, as well as the army commander.

Richard Sezibera, who has served in different portfolios, had been appointed to the foreign affairs docket last October to replace Louise Mushikiwabo who was elected secretary general of the International Organization of La Francophonie.

He has not been in the limelight for some time with reports indicating that he was sick.

Vincent Biruta, who was until Monday the environment minister, is now the new foreign and international cooperation minister, according to a statement by the prime minister’s office late Monday.

The President also replaced the Rwandan Army's Chief of Defense Staff Gen. Patrick Nyamvumba -- who served since June 2013 -- and named him the new internal security minister.

Gen. Jean Bosco Kazura is appointed the new chief of defense staff.

Kazura was until Monday the commander of Rwanda’s Command and Staff College based in northern Musanze district.

The UN secretary-general in 2013 appointed Kazura the commander of the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali.

He had earlier served as deputy force commander and chief military observer of the African Union Mission in Sudan.

In other appointments, Kagame appointed Jeanne d'Arc Mujawamariya -- who was Rwanda's envoy to Russia -- environment minister, and Aurore Mimosa Munyangaju sports minister.