Bernard Makuza

Who is Bernard Makuza?

Bernard Makuza is a Rwandan politician who was Prime Minister of Rwanda from 8 March 2000 to 6 October 2011. An ethnic Hutu, Makuza was a member of the Democratic Republican Movement before allegations were made that the party promoted genocide. He resigned membership before being appointed Prime Minister and now belongs to no party.

Makuza was the Rwandan Ambassador to Burundi and then Ambassador to Germany before being appointed as Prime Minister. His appointment to the latter post by President Pasteur Bizimungu in March 2000 followed the resignation of Prime Minister Pierre-Célestin Rwigema, who had been heavily criticized in the Rwandan press and by some parliamentarians.

He remained at the head of a new government named on March 8, 2008, which was composed of 21 ministers and six secretaries of state.

On 6 October 2011, President Kagame appointed Pierre Habumuremyi to replace Makuza as Prime Minister. Makuza was instead appointed to the Senate.