President Paul Kagame, the Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), has appointed Brigadier General Patrick Karuretwa as the new spokesperson of the Rwanda Defence Force.

The appointment was announced in an official statement released by the RDF on June 17, 2026. Brig Gen Karuretwa will serve concurrently as the Director General of International Military Cooperation at the Ministry of Defence while assuming his new role as the military’s chief spokesperson.

He replaces Brigadier General Ronald Rwivanga, who recently began a new assignment leading the East African Standby Force, a regional military force responsible for responding to security crises across Eastern Africa.

Brig Gen Karuretwa brings extensive experience in defence diplomacy and international military relations, having played a key role in strengthening Rwanda’s partnerships with defence FC around the world.

His appointment is expected to further strengthen the RDF’s strategic communication efforts and enhance public engagement as Rwanda continues to expand its role in regional security, peacekeeping operations, and international military cooperation.

The move reflects Rwanda’s continued focus on modernizing its defence institutions and reinforcing effective communication between the armed forces, the public, and international partners.