President Kagame Promotes Over 5,700 Police Officers

Kigali, Rwanda April 9, 2026 - Rwandan President Paul Kagame has approved the promotion of 5,741 officers within the Rwanda National Police, in a sweeping move affecting multiple ranks across the institution. According to an official announcement released on Thursday, five senior officers were elevated to the rank of Commissioner of Police (CP): Emmanuel Karasi, Bertin Mutezintare, Jean Népomucène Mbonyumuvunyi, Barthélemy Rugwizangoga, and Fidèle Mugengana. Ten officers were promoted to the rank of Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), including Claude Bizimana, Adolphe Nyagatare, Rango Ndoli, Callixte Kalisa, Vincent Habintwali Bihigi, Antoine Munyampundu, Faustin Kalimba, Hodali Rwanyindo, Christian Safari, and Alexis Nyamwasa. The promotions span both senior and junior ranks. Among senior officers, five were elevated from Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) to Commissioner of Police (CSP), 94 from Superintendent of Police (SP) retained or advanced within their rank, and 161 officers moved from Chief Inspector of Police (CIP) to SP. Additionally, 574 officers were promoted from Inspector of Police (IP) to CIP, while 17 advanced from Assistant Inspector of Police (AIP) to IP. At the junior level, 282 officers were promoted from Staff Sergeant (S/SGT) to Chief Sergeant (C/SGT), while 763 advanced from Sergeant (SGT) to Staff Sergeant. A total of 1,886 corporals (CPL) were promoted to sergeant, and 1,949 police constables (PC) advanced to corporal. The Rwanda National Police stated that the promotions are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen institutional capacity and recognize merit within the force.