Former Prime Minister Édouard Ngirente has expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Paul Kagame after concluding his eight-year service at the helm of Rwanda’s government.
In a message posted on X on Wednesday, July 23, shortly after the appointment of Justin Nsengiyumva as the new Prime Minister, Ngirente described his journey as “deeply enriching,” marked by “growth, guidance, and purpose.”
“I am so grateful to H.E. PaulKagame for the honor of serving as the Prime Minister of our beloved Rwanda for the last 8 years,” he wrote. “This journey has been deeply enriching, filled with growth, guidance, and purpose.”
Ngirente added: “Mr. President, I wish to express my deepest gratitude for the opportunity you gave me to serve my country, and for being such an inspiring mentor throughout this journey. It’s a chapter I’ll always carry with pride.”
Ngirente was appointed in August 2017 and became Rwanda’s 10th Prime Minister. His leadership saw Rwanda pursue major reforms in education, economic recovery, and governance, particularly in the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.
He is succeeded by Justin Nsengiyumva, an economist and public policy expert who previously served as Deputy Governor of the National Bank of Rwanda.
Nsengiyumva brings a rich background in national and international leadership, having served in key government roles, including Permanent Secretary in the Ministries of Trade and Industry and Education.
He also worked in the UK’s civil service and nonprofit sector, and holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Leicester.
Prince Ruzigana / The Kaminuza Star