Two Rwandan Generals, Gen Fred Ibingira and Lt Gen (Rtd) Charles Muhire were this month taken into military custody at different times over separate Covid-19-related violations, according to The New Times.
The news website quoting sources says, the four-star general was arrested on April 7 after it emerged he had attended a traditional wedding (gusaba) ceremony in Butare Cell, Ngoma Sector, Huye District three days earlier.
According to Rwanda COVID rules, such functions are prohibited, with the only permitted wedding traditions being civil and religious marriage ceremonies. The latter two are permissible under strict social distancing conditions.
General Ibingira is the Rwanda Defence Force Chief of Staff (Reserve Force), while Lieutenant General (Rtd) Muhire, himself a former RDF Reserve Force Chief of Staff and Air Force Chief of Staff, retired from active service in 2014.
Lt Gen Muhire was apprehended on April 25 at Pegase Resort Inn in Rebero, Kicukiro District in Kigali, where another 33 people were also arrested over breach of Covid protocols.
Rwanda’s army spokesperson, Lt Col Ronald Rwivanga says the two Generals were not expected to be charged since this is a breach of discipline that will be dealt with administratively, adding that competent authorities will determine the length of detention.
