Rwanda Defence Forces / Rwanda Army 2014 Guide

16/08/2014

Main sources : Defence Web.co.za, Jane’s, CIA World Factbook, Wikipedia and Rwanda MOD

Background

The Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) was previously a liberation force known as the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA). The Law No 19/2002 of 17/05/2002 renamed the RPA as the Rwanda Defence Force. Since 2002, the RDF adopted a Joint Structure with a Chief of Defence Staff at the helm of the Defence Force. He is the Joint Commander. The Structure and Force design offer flexibility required to respond to a variety of contingencies.

Organisation Structure

The RDF comprises of the Rwanda Army (Land Forces), the Rwanda Air Force (Air Forces), the Rwanda Reserve Force and Special Units. The RDF Structure reflects a Joint Headquarter; Commands and Institutions placed directly under the CDS; Service Headquarters and various staff groups.

1st Division (HQ in Kigali, Central/Eastern regional command)
2nd Division (HQ in Byumba (Northern/Eastern regional command)
3rd Division (HQ Gisenyi, Northern/Western regional command)
4th Division (HQ in Butare, Southern/Western regional command)

Minister of Defence and National Security: General James Kabarebe
Chief of Defence Staff: Lieutenant General Patrick Nyamvumba
Chief of Staff of the Army: Major General Frank Mushyo Kamanzi
Chief of Staff of the Air Force: Brigadier General Joseph Demali

The Rwanda Defence Forces’ mission as provided in the constitution is :

– to defend the territorial integrity and the national sovereignty of the Republic;

– to collaborate with other security organs in safe-guarding public order and enforcement of law;

– to participate in humanitarian activities in case of disasters;

– to contribute to the development of the country;

– to participate in international peace-keeping missions, humanitarian assistance and training.

2014 GUIDE

The Rwandan army is small yet well trained and responsive to elected officials, thanks to aggressive efforts to professionalise the service. This professionalism is assisted by peacekeeping experience in places like Darfur and Liberia. Foreign countries, notably the US and UK, have assisted the RDF in capacity building and peacekeeping deployment

Oder of Battle :

Army: 32 000
Air: 1 000
Paramilitary: 2 000

Armour

24: T- 55/54. Infos : HERE