James Kabarebe facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Kabarebe
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Kabarebe in 2012
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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 retired military officer. He currently serves as the Minister of State for Regional Integration in Rwanda's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Kabarebe played an important role as a commanding officer in two major conflicts: the First Congo War and the Second Congo War. From 2010 to 2018, he was Rwanda's Minister of Defence. In September 2023, he was appointed to his current role.
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Early Life and Education
James Kabarebe was born in 1959 in Ibanda, Uganda. He went to primary school in Kyamate and secondary school at Kabalega Secondary School. He later attended St. Henry's College Kitovu.
He studied at Makerere University, where he earned a degree in economics and political science. He began his military career in 1989.
Role in the Rwandan Patriotic Army
James Kabarebe worked closely with Paul Kagame, who later became Rwanda's president. Kabarebe was Kagame's private secretary and aide. During the Rwandan Civil War, he became a commander of a special unit. This unit later became known as the Republican Guard.
The First Congo War
During the First Congo War, Kabarebe led a Rwandan army into Zaire, which is now the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The main goals were to stop certain militia groups that had caused problems in Rwanda. They also aimed to remove the Zairian President, Mobutu Sese Seko.
Kabarebe was a key military planner for the Alliance of Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Congo (ADFL). He helped plan the capture of Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, in May 1997. This led to the defeat of Mobutu Sese Seko.
After this mission, Kabarebe was made Chief of Staff of the Congolese Army. However, relations between Rwanda and the new Congolese leader, Laurent-Désiré Kabila, soon became difficult. Kabila removed Kabarebe from his position in July 1998.
The Second Congo War
After being removed from his role, Kabarebe and his allies began planning an attack on western Congo. Their goal was to quickly remove the Kabila government. In August 1998, he led an air attack on Kitona Air Field with about 3,000 soldiers.
His troops moved quickly, taking important ports and areas in eastern Congo. During their advance, there were reports of actions that caused harm to civilians and led to damage. In an effort to take Kinshasa, the power to the city was cut off. This caused difficulties for many people, including those in hospitals.
By August 22, his forces reached Kinshasa. However, troops from Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Angola stepped in. This stopped Kabarebe's troops from taking the city and removing Kabila. He had to pull back to Angola and was later evacuated in December 1998.
Rwandan Defence Forces
In October 2002, President Paul Kagame appointed Kabarebe as the Chief of Defence Staff for the Rwandan Defence Forces. This is a very high position in the military.
In August 2023, the Rwandan Ministry of Defence announced that Kabarebe and other senior generals had retired from military service.
Important Accusations and Denials
James Kabarebe has faced accusations related to his military career. In 2006, a French judge accused him and other Rwandan officials of being involved in a serious incident involving a plane. Kabarebe and the other officials denied these claims. The charges in this case were later dropped.
In 2008, a Spanish judge also issued arrest warrants against Kabarebe and other Rwandan officers. These charges were also later dropped.
In 2012, a report from a United Nations Security Council group accused Kabarebe and other Rwandan officials of having a role with the M23 group. This group was linked to serious problems in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Kabarebe and Rwanda denied these accusations.
In 2025, the United States placed sanctions on Kabarebe. This was due to his alleged connection with the M23 group and its activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
See also
In Spanish: James Kabare para niños
- Rwandan Defence Forces
- Rwandan Patriotic Army
- First Congo War
- Second Congo War
- Cabinet of Rwanda
