Rwanda’s Kagame Reshuffles Cabinet Ahead of July Elections Rwandan President Paul Kagame has reshuffled his cabinet, replacing key ministers as the country prepares for presidential elections in July. Key Changes: * Prime Minister: Edouard Ngirente remains in his position. * Minister of Foreign Affairs: Vincent Biruta returns to the post after serving as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. * Minister of Finance and Economic Planning: Uzziel Ndagijimana is replaced by Claver Gatete, who previously held the position from 2013 to 2018. * Minister of Defense: Albert Murasira takes over from James Kabarebe. * Minister of Health: Daniel Ngamije replaces Tharcisse Mpunga. * Minister of ICT and Innovation: Paula Ingabire replaces Pierre Habyarimana. Purpose of Reshuffle: Kagame has stated that the cabinet reshuffle is aimed at “strengthening governance and improving service delivery.” Analysts speculate that the changes may also be intended to prepare the country for the upcoming elections and to consolidate Kagame’s grip on power. Reactions to Reshuffle: The reshuffle has sparked mixed reactions. Some observers have praised the appointments of experienced and qualified individuals. However, others have expressed concern about the lack of diversity in the cabinet and the potential for increased centralization of power. July Elections: Rwanda’s presidential election is scheduled for July 19, 2023. Kagame, who has been in power since 2000, is expected to seek a fourth term. The opposition remains weak and fragmented, and Kagame is widely seen as the favorite to win. The cabinet reshuffle is seen as a strategic move by Kagame to secure his position ahead of the elections. By appointing loyal and experienced individuals to key positions, he aims to ensure stability and maintain control over the country’s institutions.Rwanda’s Cabinet Reshuffle Ahead of Presidential and Legislative ElectionsRwanda’s Cabinet Reshuffle Ahead of Presidential and Legislative Elections With Rwanda’s presidential and legislative elections scheduled for July 15, 2024, President Paul Kagame has reshuffled his cabinet. The move comes just weeks before the polls. Key Appointments * Minister of Finance and Economic Planning: Yusuf Murangwa, former Director-General of the National Institute of Statistics of Rwanda (NISR) * Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation: Olivier Nduhungirehe, former Rwandan ambassador to the Netherlands * Minister of Public Service and Labor: Jeanne d’Arc Mujawamariya, former Minister of the Environment * Minister of Environment: Valentine Uwamariya, former Minister of Gender and Family Promotion Other Notable Changes * Alfred Gasana, former Minister of the Interior, appointed Rwandan ambassador to the Netherlands * New appointments for Attorney General and Commissioner General of the Rwanda Revenue Authority Context The cabinet reshuffle is part of the political landscape adjustment ahead of the upcoming elections. President Kagame, leader of the Rwandan Patriotic Front Party since 1998, is running for a fourth term. The reshuffle aims to strengthen his leadership and support his campaign efforts.Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has made significant changes to his cabinet ahead of the July elections. Key ministries, including those responsible for foreign affairs, finance, and justice, have seen leadership shake-ups. Vincent Biruta, formerly the Minister of Environment, takes over as Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation. Uzziel Ndagijimana, the outgoing Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, is replaced by Claudine Uwera. Emmanuel Ugirashebuja, the former Minister of Justice and Attorney General, has been appointed Minister of Local Government. His position is filled by Jean-Bosco Mutangana. Other changes include the appointment of Gatabazi Jean-Marie Vianney as Minister of Infrastructure, replacing Claver Gatete, who becomes Minister of Defense. The cabinet reshuffle is seen as a move to strengthen Kagame’s grip on power ahead of the elections. Several of the newly appointed ministers are considered loyalists to the President. Reactions to the reshuffle have been mixed. Some observers have welcomed the move, arguing that it brings fresh blood into the government. Others have expressed concern over the lack of diversity in the new cabinet, particularly in terms of gender and regional representation. The presidential election is scheduled to take place on July 19th. Kagame, who has been in power since 2000, is widely expected to win a third term.