KIGALI, Rwanda — Former Rwandan presidential guard commander Colonel Tom Byabagamba has died in prison, according to his family, bringing renewed attention to one of the country's most prominent former military officers.

Byabagamba, 59, had spent roughly 12 years in detention after being arrested in 2014 and later convicted by a military court. His sentence was initially 21 years before being reduced to 15 years on appeal.

His brother, David Himbara, confirmed the death but did not provide a cause. Rwandan authorities had not immediately issued a public statement on the reported death.

Byabagamba previously served as commander of President Paul Kagame's elite presidential guard before being removed from the position in 2010. His later arrest and conviction attracted criticism from human-rights organisations, which questioned the fairness of the proceedings.

The death is likely to renew debate over Rwanda's political environment, military justice system and treatment of former senior officials, particularly among rights advocates and opposition figures.

The development comes as Rwanda remains under international scrutiny over political freedoms and its broader security role in the Great Lakes region.