Rwanda's Kagame appoints central banker as new prime minister
The appointment of Justin Nsengiyumva, the former prime secretary at the education ministry who holds a PhD in economics from the University of Leicester, was announced by the office of the government spokesperson in a post on X late on Wednesday.
The post did not say why the incumbent, Edouard Ngirente, was dropped. Ngirente, who had been prime minister since 2017, thanked Kagame on X, writing: "This journey has been deeply enriching."
Kagame appointed Nsengiyumva as deputy governor at the National Bank of Rwanda earlier this year. Nsengiyumva's official biography says he has worked for the British government, including as senior economist for the Office of Rail and Road.
Prior to his work in the UK, Nsengiyumva served as permanent secretary at Rwanda's education ministry. In 2008, while serving in that role, he was arrested for alleged corruption and later convicted, according to the state-owned New Times newspaper.
Kagame pardoned him in March 2023 alongside 380 others in unrelated cases, the New Times reported.
A Rwandan government spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for a comment.
Rwanda last held elections in 2024 when Kagame was re-elected with 99.18% of the vote, extending his near quarter-century in office.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Guardian
9 minutes ago
- The Guardian
Doctor turned Labor MP and self-described Israel ally condemns Netanyahu government
The final speaker on Wednesday's motion calling Israel's blockade of Gaza a breach of international law was Labor senator Michelle Ananda-Rajah. A doctor-turned-politician who visited Israel during her first term as a Labor MP in the previous parliament, Ananda-Rajah describes herself as an 'ally of Israel' and says she will not 'rubber stamp what the Netanyahu government is doing'. 'Right now, the people of Gaza are suffering,' Ananda-Rajah said. 'There is a humanitarian catastrophe. There are no words left any more in our lexicon to describe what is going on there'
South Wales Guardian
38 minutes ago
- South Wales Guardian
Hotel tycoon unveils rival Heathrow expansion plan with shorter third runway
The billionaire's Arora Group said the 'primary benefit' of the plan it submitted to the Government is a shorter new runway which would avoid the costly and disruptive need to divert the M25 motorway. Building a 2,800-metre third runway instead of the full-length 3,500-metre runway planned by the airport would result in 'reduced risk' and avoid 'spiralling cost', the company said. A shorter runway could have limits on its use, although Arora Group insisted it would be able to accommodate aircraft of all sizes. Arora Group's Heathrow West proposal states the new runway could be fully operational by 2035, while a new terminal would open in two phases, in 2036 and 2040. The plan, developed with infrastructure company Bechtel, has a cost estimate of under £25 billion, not including the redevelopment of the airport's existing central area. Mr Arora, who is one of the largest landowners at Heathrow, said: 'After a decade working with our world-leading design and delivery team, I am very proud that the Arora Group can finally unveil to the UK Government our Heathrow West proposal, which directly meets and supports the United Kingdom's primary objective of unlocking economic growth at the UK's only hub airport, with a strong commitment of doing so on-budget and on-time. 'The Arora Group has a proven track record of delivering on-time and on-budget projects including in and around Heathrow airport. 'We are delighted that the Government has taken a common-sense approach to invite proposals from all interested parties for the very first time rather than granting exclusivity to the current airport operator, no matter its track record.' Mr Arora has repeatedly accused the airport of wasting money. In December 2024, French company Ardian completed a deal to become Heathrow's largest shareholder with a 23% stake, while Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund purchased a 15% share. Chancellor Rachel Reeves gave her backing for a third runway in a speech on growth in January. Heathrow will submit its own expansion plan to the Government on Thursday. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander will then review the Airports National Policy Statement, which provides the basis for decision-making on any Development Consent Order application. Heathrow is understood to be open to a discussion with airlines about building a shorter runway if it can deliver the same benefits. The airport declined to comment on the Arora Group's proposal.
South Wales Argus
38 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
‘It's time to pay up', says Starmer in late payments crackdown
Sir Keir Starmer has said 'too many hardworking people are being forced to spend precious hours chasing payments' in a process which he described as 'exhausting'. As part of a drive to support small businesses, the Government is set to unveil plans to give the small business commissioner bolstered powers to fine large companies which persistently pay their suppliers late. The commissioner will also receive new powers to enforce a rule that customers must pay their supplier within 30 days of receiving a valid invoice, unless otherwise agreed, with spot checks to help identify breaches. Upcoming legislation will also introduce maximum payment terms of 60 days, reducing to 45 days. 'From builders and electricians to freelance designers and manufacturers — too many hardworking people are being forced to spend precious hours chasing payments instead of doing what they do best – growing their businesses,' Sir Keir said. 'It's unfair, it's exhausting and it's holding Britain back. 'So, our message is clear, it's time to pay up. 'Through our small business plan, we're not only tackling the scourge of late payments once and for all, but we're giving small business owners the backing and stability they need for their business to thrive, driving growth across the country through our plan for change.' The crackdown on late payments is part of a wider Government package and sits alongside a move to pump £4 billion of financial support into small business start-ups and growth. This is set to include £1 billion for new firms, with 69,000 start-up loans and mentoring support. 'This country is home to some of the brightest entrepreneurs and innovative businesses in the world, and we want to unleash their full potential by giving them back time and money to do what they do best – growing our local economies,' Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said. 'Our small business plan – the first in over a decade – is slashing unnecessary admin costs, making it easier for businesses to set up shop and giving SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) the financial backing they need.' Andrew Griffith, the Conservative shadow business secretary, said: 'Cracking down on late payments will be welcome for small business but will mean nothing for the 218,000 businesses that have closed under Labour. 'The reality for businesses under Labour is a doubling of business rates, a £25 billion jobs tax and a full-on strangulation of employment red tape. 'Only the Conservatives are on the side of the makers and will support businesses across Britain to create jobs and wealth.'
