KIGALI — In a sudden and decisive diplomatic reshuffle, Rwandan President Paul Kagame has stripped Ambassador Marie Chantal Rwakazina of her high-profile duties representing the country in Switzerland and at the United Nations Office in Geneva.
The political shift was made public through a presidential decree in the Official Gazette on May 26. According to the state document, the decision to oust the veteran diplomat came at the explicit request of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
While the gazette confirms that the underlying grounds for her dismissal have been fully processed, the decree clarifies that her removal from office is effective immediately.
Ambassador Rwakazina’s tenure in Geneva ends exactly four years after it began. She had officially stepped into the role in May 2022, presenting her diplomatic credentials to represent Rwanda’s strategic interests to the Swiss Confederation and a sprawling network of international organizations.
Before her assignment to Europe’s premier diplomatic hub, Rwakazina built a formidable reputation within the Rwandan government and foreign service. Her career highlights include:
Rwakazina Served as Rwanda’s non-resident Ambassador to The Holy See (Vatican) in Rome.Leading the nation’s capital as the Mayor of the City of Kigali.Driving key governance policies through various prominent state agencies and partnerships.
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