The appointment was announced in a press release issued by the RDF on Wednesday, June 17.

Brig Gen Karuretwa will serve concurrently as the Director General of International Military Cooperation at the Ministry of Defence, a position he already holds, while taking on the additional responsibility of Defence Spokesperson.

He replaces Brig Gen Ronald Rwivanga, who recently assumed office as Director of the Eastern Africa Standby Force (EASF).

As Defence Spokesperson, Brig Gen Karuretwa will serve as the principal public communications representative of the Rwanda Defence Force, providing official information on the institution's activities, operations and policies.

Brig Gen Patrick Karuretwa joined the Rwanda Patriotic Army (RPA) in 1992 during the liberation struggle at the age of 18.

He later studied law at the National University of Rwanda, graduating in 2000, before pursuing advanced studies at The Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in the United States from 2009 to 2011. There, he earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Law and a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy (MALD) specialising in International Security Studies.

Following his studies, Brig Gen Karuretwa served in the Office of the President for a decade in various capacities, including as a Defence and Security Advisor. From November 2013 to July 2021, he served as the Principal Private Secretary to the President.

In December 2024, Brig Gen Karuretwa was sworn in as the President of the Military High Court while also serving as the Director General of International Military Cooperation at the Ministry of Defence.