File photo: CGTN

Paul Kagame named the new defense minister and the chief of Rwanda's defense force, according to a statement issued late Monday by the president's office.

Juvenal Marizamunda was named the new minister of defense, replacing Albert Murasira, while Mubarak Muganga, formerly army chief of staff, was appointed the new chief of defense staff of the Rwanda Defense Force.

Muganga replaced Jean Bosco Kazura, who had served in the position since November 2019.

Marizamunda, until his new appointment, served as the commissioner general of Rwanda Correctional Services, where he was appointed in 2021. Marizamunda previously served as deputy inspector general of the Rwandan police in charge of administration and finance.

In other appointments, Vincent Nyakarundi was appointed army chief of staff, replacing Muganga, while Jean Bosco Ntibitura was named the new director general of internal security in the National Intelligence and Security Services.

Kagame also appointed Alex Kagame as the Joint Taskforce commander in Mozambique, where Rwandan troops have been deployed since 2021, while Evariste Murenzi was appointed the new commissioner general of Rwanda Correctional Services, replacing Marizamunda.