Hutus rebels are being integrated into the Tutsi-dominated national army

Adolphe Nshimiramana, former head of the Forces for Defence of Democracy (FDD) armed wing, was named by President Domitien Ndayizeye on Monday.

Changing the ethnic mix in the Tutsi-dominated military is seen as a key part of the peace process.

The FDD says 37,000 of its fighters will join the national army in the integration process.

Under the peace deal, the FDD will have 40% of the staff and officer jobs in the army with command jobs being split evenly between the Hutus and Tutsis.

Rejected

Last month President Ndayizeye awarded top ministerial posts to FDD leaders.

However, the second largest rebel group, the Forces for National Liberation (FNL), continues to reject any power sharing deal.

Regional leaders have given the FNL rebels three months to join the peace talks.