The President of the Republic of Rwanda and Commander-in-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), Paul Kagame, has appointed Brig. Gen. Geofrey Gasana as the Presidential Pilot.
He has entrusted him with the responsibilities of serving as Advisor to the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence Staff on matters related to the Air Force.
These appointments were announced on the night of January 24–25 through an official statement released by the Ministry of Defence.
In the same statement, President Kagame also appointed Col. Dan Gatsinzi as the Deputy Commander of the Air Force in charge of military operations. The appointments took effect immediately, reflecting the confidence placed in the appointees by the country’s top leadership.
Brig. Gen. Geofrey Gasana is a highly experienced pilot within the Rwanda Defence Force. However, this marks the first time in Rwanda’s history that the role of Presidential Pilot has been officially announced publicly.
This development reflects a new step in the management of security institutions and the structuring of specialized duties that require a high level of professionalism and trust.
Brig. Gen. Gasana was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General in 2023, from Colonel, at a time when he was serving as Deputy Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
On the other hand, Col. Dan Gatsinzi is a soldier who has demonstrated exceptional competence and dedication in military training and studies. He was promoted to the rank of Colonel in September 2024, from Lieutenant Colonel, and is recognized for graduating top of his class at the Rwanda Military Academy in Nyakinama in 2025.
Prior to these new responsibilities, he was serving as Director of Operations in the Rwanda Air Force.
These leadership changes within the Air Force highlight the country’s commitment to strengthening national security by relying on professionals with the necessary expertise, experience, and values.
They also demonstrate Rwanda’s continued efforts to enhance the capacity of its security institutions in order to protect the nation and support high-level missions that demand dedication and strategic insight.
