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By: Robert Patrick Fati Gakwerere
The narrative surrounding the militia army of Criminal Paul Kagame, referred to by some as the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) or Kagame Defence Force (KDF), presents a compelling study in the dynamics of power and control within a military structure purportedly plagued by nepotism and ineffectual leadership. In RDF, ‘Captain’ Ian Kagame Gasana, a certified military novice, possesses real command power than the Psuedo Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Mubarakh Muganga, and this epitomizes the disarray and internal internal dynamics that will one day undermine the efficacy and integrity of Criminal Paul Kagame’s military organization.
This structure, where unqualified individuals are parachuted into significant roles purely based on nepotism and allegiance or other non-meritocratic criteria, starkly contrasts with conventional military hierarchies, where experience, expertise, and proven leadership skills are paramount. The case of Gen Mubarakh Muganga, described disparagingly as a mere “house boy General” with no actual command and control authority, is indicative of a broader systemic issue within Criminal Paul Kagame’s militia army. Despite holding a title that traditionally denotes substantial strategic and operational responsibilities, Gen Mubarakh Muganga’s role is essentially reduced to that of an enforcer of directives from a higher authority, in this case, Criminal Paul Kagame.
The inability of Gen Mubarakh Muganga to exercise command, to the extent that he cannot even relocate a platoon from one district to another without approval, highlights a significant deviation from standard military practice. In a typical command structure, decisions such as the movement of troops are within the purview of a Chief of Defence Staff, reflecting both the trust placed in their judgment and the necessity of delegating operational decisions to maintain an efficient and responsive military force.
The problematic aspects of the RDF/KDF’s operational and leadership framework, suggesting that the organization’s effectiveness is severely compromised by a hierarchical structure that prioritizes loyalty and nepotism over competence. Real military command power by Captain Ian Kagame Gasana despite a glaring lack of military acumen, alongside the marginalization of experienced personnel like Gen Fred Ibingira, Lt Gen Karenzi Karake, Maj Gen Sam Kaka, Lt Gen Charles Muhire, Maj Gen Augustin Turagara, Maj Gen Martin Nzaramba, Brig Gen Chris Murari, Brig Gen Didas Ndahiro, Brig Gen Emmanuel Ndahiro…..etc, raises critical questions about the long-term viability and integrity of Kagame’s militia army. It suggests a milieu in which personal allegiance to the enigmatic 57 Kg skinny man overrides the foundational military principles of meritocracy, discipline, and strategic acumen.
In sum, the dilemma of Criminal Paul Kagame’s militia army, as exemplified by the juxtaposition of Captain Ian Kagame Gasana’s unearned authority and Gen Mubarakh Muganga’s impotence, serves as a stark illustration of how deeply nepotism and cronyism can corrode the fabric of a military institution. The resultant structure is one characterized by inefficiency, where the chain of command is subverted by arbitrary personal loyalties and nepotism, ultimately undermining the foundational objectives and capabilities of the force itself.
