Rwanda Mourns Lt Gen Innocent Kabandana, Battle-Hardened Commander and Diplomat

Rwanda is mourning the death of Lieutenant General Innocent Kabandana, a battle-hardened commander and seasoned diplomat whose career spanned frontlines, peacekeeping missions, and high-level diplomacy.

He died on Sunday at the Rwanda Military Referral and Teaching Hospital after a long illness, the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) said.

“The Rwanda Defence Force is deeply saddened to announce the unfortunate death of Lt Gen Innocent Kabandana,” the RDF said in a statement.

“The Rwanda Defence Force extends its condolences and joins the family in mourning during this difficult time. May his soul rest in peace.”

Sickness

Military sources said Kabandana had been in and out of hospital in recent months. He was flown to Turkey earlier this year, where he received specialised medical treatment before returning home to Rwanda.

Kabandana, 61, was promoted to lieutenant general in September 2022 by President Paul Kagame following his tour of duty in Mozambique, where he commanded Rwanda’s Joint Task Force.

He led troops alongside the Mozambican army to dislodge Islamic State-linked insurgents from Cabo Delgado Province.

The joint forces recaptured Palma and Mocimboa da Praia – a port city militants had held since 2015 – restoring government authority and opening the way for displaced civilians to return.

A former commander of Rwanda’s special forces, Kabandana was regarded as a humble yet tough soldier with a reputation for steering decisive operations.

His career included key postings as Chief Instructor at the Rwanda Military Academy in Gako, Defence Attaché in Washington, D.C., Director of Logistics at RDF headquarters, and senior roles in United Nations missions in South Sudan.

He also headed the Rwanda Peace Academy, helping to shape the country’s contributions to international peacekeeping.

Beyond combat command, Kabandana held a Master of Business Administration from Oklahoma Christian University in the United States, reflecting a blend of military and academic training that distinguished him among his peers.

Diplomacy

On Sunday, Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United States, Mathilde Mukantabana, paid a heartfelt tribute to the late general, recalling their time together in Washington.

“Lt. Gen. Innocent Kabandana was more than just a colleague – he was a trusted partner and sounding board.

His strategic mind, diplomatic finesse, and unwavering dedication to Rwanda embodied the very values of a Rwandan officer,” she wrote in a message on social media.

Mukantabana described Kabandana as an officer driven by “his unrelenting pursuit of knowledge and growth, all for the benefit of Rwanda.”

She also highlighted his devotion to family life, praising his wife, Sabine, for her steadfast support: “His wife Sabine stood by him through thick and thin, exemplifying the true meaning of ‘until death do us part.’ Together, they inspired everyone around them with their unwavering faith and resilience.”

Kabandana is survived by his wife and four children – Monia, Brave, Brandon, and Noria – whom Mukantabana described as “fantastic individuals” shaped by their father’s values