Rwandan President Paul Kagame appoints Justin Nsengiyumva as prime minister, replacing Edouard Ngirente after eight years in office.
Rwandan President Paul Kagame has appointed Justin Nsengiyumva, a seasoned economist and former deputy governor of the National Bank of Rwanda, as the country’s new Prime Minister. He succeeds Edouard Ngirente, who had served in the position since 2017.
The announcement was made late Wednesday by the Office of the Government Spokesperson on X (formerly Twitter). No official reason was provided for the change in leadership.
Under Rwanda’s constitution, the appointment of a new prime minister requires the formation of a new cabinet within 15 days.
Who Is Justin Nsengiyumva?
Nsengiyumva brings a strong mix of local and international experience to the role. Alongside his leadership at the central bank, he previously worked with the British Government and holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Leicester.
Ngirente Bids Farewell
Outgoing Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente acknowledged his exit in a short message posted on X, expressing his appreciation to President Kagame.
“This journey has been deeply enriching,” he wrote, without offering further details.
Understanding Rwanda’s Executive Structure
In Rwanda’s political system, the prime minister is tasked with managing the government’s day-to-day operations. However, real executive power lies with the president.
President Kagame, who has led Rwanda since 2000, was re-elected in July 2024 with a sweeping 99.18% of the vote, further extending his nearly 25-year tenure. The National Electoral Commission confirmed the results shortly after the polls.
