Bernard Makuza | |
|---|---|
 | |
| 3rd President of the Rwandan Senate | |
| In office 14 October 2014 – 17 October 2019 | |
| Preceded by | Jean-Damascène Ntawukuriryayo |
| Succeeded by | Augustin Iyamuremye |
| 8thprime minister of Rwanda | |
| In office 8 March 2000 – 7 October 2011 | |
| President | Pasteur Bizimungu Paul Kagame |
| Preceded by | Pierre-Célestin Rwigema |
| Succeeded by | Pierre Habumuremyi |
| Personal details | |
| Born | (1962-09-30)30 September 1962 (age 63) |
| Political party | Independent |
Bernard Makuza (born 30 September 1962)[1] is aRwandan politician who wasPrime Minister of Rwanda from 8 March 2000 to 6 October 2011. He also served as President of theSenate of Rwanda from 14 October 2014 to 17 October 2019.
Makuza's father was Anastase Makuza, who served as a minister duringGrégoire Kayibanda's presidency.[2] Like his father, Bernard Makuza attendedSaint Léon Minor Seminary of Kabgayi.
Makuza was a member of theRepublican Democratic Movement (MDR) before the party was dissolved on 14 April 2003 because of its history of promoting genocide ideology.[3] Makuza resigned his membership in the MDR before being appointed prime minister. In 2006, during his term as prime minister, Makuza identified as belonging to no party.[4]
Makuza was the Rwandan Ambassador toBurundi and then Ambassador toGermany[5] before being appointed as prime minister in March 2000. His appointment to the latter post by PresidentPasteur Bizimungu followed the resignation of Prime MinisterPierre-Célestin Rwigema, who had been heavily criticized in the Rwandan press and by some parliamentarians.[6]
Makuza remained at the head of a new government named on March 8, 2008, which was composed of 21 ministers and six secretaries of state.[7]
On 6 October 2011, President Kagame appointedPierre Habumuremyi to replace Makuza as prime minister. Makuza was instead appointed to theSenate.[8] In the Senate, Makuza served as Vice-President for Legislation and Government Oversight. He was subsequently elected as President of the Senate, with 25 out of 26 votes in favor and no opposing candidate, and sworn in on 14 October 2014.[9]
| Political offices | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by | Prime Minister of Rwanda 2000–2011 | Succeeded by |
