Rwandan President Paul Kagame has reshuffled his cabinet and appointed several former military and security officials to key diplomatic posts, reinforcing the continued influence of the security establishment in Rwanda’s foreign service.
In a communiqué issued on June 10, Kagame appointed Damien Murwanashyaka as Minister of Infrastructure, assisted by Armand Zingiro and Col. Claudien Bizimungu as Ministers of State.
Judith Uwizeye was named Minister of Public Service and Labour, while Antoine Marie Kajangwe became Minister of Trade and Industry.
The most significant changes were in the diplomatic corps.
Retired Lt. Gen. Karake Karenzi, a former intelligence chief and one of Rwanda’s most influential military figures, was appointed ambassador-designate to China.
Karenzi’s posting to Beijing comes as Rwanda deepens economic ties with China, one of its largest infrastructure and investment partners.
China has financed major transport, energy and industrial projects in Rwanda, making the relationship increasingly important to Kigali’s economic ambitions.
Maj. Gen. Emmanuel Bayingana, a senior Rwanda Defence Force officer and former military spokesperson, was named ambassador-designate to Israel.
Former Rwanda Investigation Bureau Secretary General Col. (Rtd) Jeannot Ruhunga was appointed ambassador-designate to Poland, while veteran diplomat Christine Nkulikiyinka was named ambassador-designate to Spain.
The reshuffle also touched key state institutions. Chantal Tuyishimire was appointed Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Louise Kanyonga became Chief Executive Officer of Zigama CSS, Maximilien Byilingiro was named CEO of Rwanda Energy Group, and Michelle Umurungi was appointed Deputy CEO in charge of Investments at the Rwanda Social Security Board (RSSB).
The appointments come as Rwanda seeks to strengthen trade, investment and diplomatic ties with major partners including China and Israel.
The deployment of former military and intelligence officials to prominent diplomatic positions reflects a pattern that has long characterised Rwanda’s governance system, where senior security figures frequently transition into civilian and foreign service roles.