Rwandan President Paul Kagame has named Justin Nsengiyumva, the deputy governor of the central bank, as the country’s new prime minister marking a significant shift in leadership. The announcement, shared late Wednesday via the government spokesperson’s X account, did not explain the departure of outgoing PM Edouard Ngirente, who had held the post since 2017. Ngirente thanked Kagame publicly, calling the role “deeply enriching.”
Nsengiyumva’s appointment has drawn attention due to his past. While he holds a doctorate in economics from the University of Leicester and served in both Rwandan and UK government positions, he was previously convicted on corruption charges in 2008 while serving in Rwanda’s education ministry. He was pardoned by Kagame in March 2023 as part of a broader clemency initiative.
Nsengiyumva was promoted earlier this year to deputy governor of the National Bank of Rwanda. His biography highlights experience with the British Office of Rail and Road as a senior economist.
The political reshuffle comes just months after Kagame’s re-election in 2024 with over 99% of the vote, extending his 24 year tenure. The Rwandan government has not commented on the reasons behind Ngirente’s dismissal.
