The Kosovo Security Force (KSF) currently has eight fewer generals than before. From 2021 until today, six generals retired regularly, while two others retired early.
This situation has left the KSF with six unfilled general positions, although procedures to fill these vacancies have already begun.
According to the Ministry of Defense/KSF, four generals have been promoted during this period:
- Bashkim Jashari, Commander of the KSF
- Irfete Spahiu, Inspector General
- Ilir Qeriqi, Chief of the General Staff (later retired early)
- Sefer Isufi, Military Advisor to the President
Despite these promotions, six general-level positions remain vacant.
The Ministry stated:
“A selection board for appointments and promotions to the rank of General has been formed and is currently evaluating candidates for the six (06) open positions, according to the current KSF structure.”
They also explained internal procedures:
- When a Command Commander is absent, the Deputy Commander (a colonel) automatically assumes leadership duties.
- If the Chief of the General Staff (a brigadier general) position is vacant, the KSF Commander assigns one of the department chiefs with the rank of colonel to temporarily take over.
According to the Law on the KSF, the President of Kosovo holds the authority to appoint, promote, replace, or dismiss generals based on a joint recommendation of the KSF Commander and the Minister of Defense. The President must take a decision within 30 days of receiving the proposal.
Generals Who Retired Early and Entered Politics
Rrahman Rama, former KSF Commander, retired early and was replaced by Bashkim Jashari on 30 November 2021.
Rama won a parliamentary seat with the PDK in the February 2025 elections, and is running again in the December 2025 elections.
Ilir Qeriqi, the other general who retired early, ran for mayor of Lipjan under Vetëvendosje in the October 2025 local elections, but lost. He is now running for MP with VV in the 28 December 2025 elections.
Generals Who Retired Normally (2021–2025)
The following six generals retired regularly, according to legal retirement timelines:
- Gëzim Hazrolli
- Hysen Dreshaj
- Naim Haziri
- Xhevahir Geci
- Fadil Hadërgjonaj
- Nazmi Brahimaj
General Xhevahir Geci became an MP with the PDK in February 2025 and is seeking re-election in December 2025.
General Fadil Hadërgjonaj, formerly an LDK MP, is also seeking another term.
General Gëzim Hazrolli has now joined the LDK’s list of parliamentary candidates for the December 2025 elections.
