Kigali: Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) has for the eighth time held a send-off ceremony to honour the service of Military personnel who had reached retirement age and those whose service contracts had come to an end.
During the 2020 retirement phase, a total of 1449 service personnel including 41 Senior Officers, 369 career Officers and Other Ranks retired and 1018 military personnel concluded their service contracts with RDF, while 21 others have been discharged on medical grounds.
The official send-off event held at RDF Headquarters Senior Officers Mess was presided over by the Minister of Defence, Maj Gen Albert Murasira.
In his speech, Maj Gen Murasira applauded the retirees for their personal sacrifices, service rendered and contribution to the country.
“You have all made personal sacrifices and contributed to make Rwanda a country we are proud to call a peaceful home” he said.
On behalf of the retirees, Retired (Rtd) Col Jill Rutaremara emphasised that they are retiring as happy people because their contribution to liberate Rwanda was not in vain.
“As we retire, we seize this opportunity to assure the Commander in Chief and the entire RDF leadership that even though we are retiring, we shall remain committed to the cause of total liberation of our country and that we shall never betray our comrades in the liberation struggle that we were and are still part of”
The retires were awarded certificates as a recognition for their service rendered to Rwanda Defence Force. The event was also attended by the Chief of Defence Staff and Service Chiefs. (End)