James Kabarebe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Kabarebe
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| Minister of State for Regional Integration | |
| Assumed office September 2023 |
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| President | Paul Kagame |
| Minister of Defence | |
| In office 10 April 2010 – 18 October 2018 |
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| President | Paul Kagame |
| Preceded by | Marcel Gatsinzi |
| Succeeded by | Albert Murasira |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1959 (age 65–66) Ibanda, Uganda |
| Political party | Rwandan Patriotic Front |
| Alma mater | Makerere University |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |
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| Years of service | ?–2023 |
| Rank | General |
| Battles/wars |
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James Kabarebe (born in 1959) is a Rwandan military leader who is now retired. He currently serves as the Minister of State for Regional Integration. This means he helps Rwanda work with other countries in the region.
He played a very important role as a commanding officer in two major conflicts. These were the First Congo War and the Second Congo War.
From 2010 to 2018, he was Rwanda's Minister of Defence. He was also a Commander in the Rwandan Patriotic Army. He helped plan strategies for the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo. In September 2023, he was appointed to his current role.
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Early Life and Education
James Kabarebe was born in 1959. He grew up in the Ibanda-Kazo area of western Uganda. He went to Kyamate Primary School for his early education.
Later, he attended Kabalega Secondary School in Masindi, Uganda. He then went to St. Henry's College Kitovu in 1979. He studied at Makerere University, where he earned a degree in Economics and Political Science. He officially joined the military in 1989.
Joining the Rwandan Patriotic Army
James Kabarebe worked closely with Paul Kagame. He was Kagame's private secretary and aide-de-camp (ADC). This means he was a personal assistant and helped Kagame with his duties.
During the Rwandan Civil War, Kabarebe became a Commander. He led the High Command Unit at Mulindi. This unit later became known as the Republican Guard. It was under the leadership of Paul Kagame.
Role in the First Congo War
During the First Congo War, Kabarebe led a Rwandan army. This army entered Zaire, which is now called the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The main goal was to stop certain groups that had caused trouble in Rwanda. These groups were the ex-FAR and Interahamwe militia. They had been involved in the genocide against the Tutsi. They were also attacking Rwanda from across the border.
Kabarebe was a key military planner for Laurent-Désiré Kabila's rebel group. This group was called the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo (ADFL). He helped plan the capture of Kinshasa, the capital city. This happened on May 17, 1997. It led to the defeat of Zairian President Mobutu Sese Seko.
After this mission, Kabila made him the Chief of Staff of the Congolese Army. However, relations between Rwanda and Kabila soon became difficult. This eventually led to another war. Kabila removed Kabarebe from his position around July 27, 1998.
Involvement in the Second Congo War
While he was Chief of Staff, the 10th division in eastern Congo grew stronger. It included more soldiers who did not support Kabila. After he was removed from his position in July 1998, Kabarebe began planning an attack. He worked with Ugandan and Congolese allies. Their goal was to quickly remove the Kabila government.
On August 4, he led an air attack on Kitona Air Field. He brought about 3,000 soldiers from Rwanda and Uganda. His troops moved very quickly. They took control of important ports and areas in eastern Congo in just a few days.
By August 22, his troops had reached Kinshasa. However, armies from Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Angola stepped in. They stopped his troops from taking the city and removing Kabila. Kabarebe's forces had to retreat to Angola. They were fully evacuated in December 1998.
Service in the Rwandan Defence Forces
In October 2002, President Paul Kagame appointed James Kabarebe. He became the Chief of Defence Staff of the Rwandan Defence Forces. This army was formerly known as the Rwandan Patriotic Army.
On August 30, 2023, the Rwandan Ministry of Defence announced that General James Kabarebe had retired. General Fred Ibingira and Major General Albert Murasira also retired at the same time.
See also
- Rwandan Defence Forces
- Rwandan Patriotic Army
- First Congo War
- Second Congo War
- Cabinet of Rwanda
- Kinsangani battle (1997)
