Faustin Twagiramungu, an emblematic Rwandan political figure, died on Saturday December 2 at the age of 78. During his career, Twagiramungu played the role of Prime Minister in the government of national unity established after the genocide of the Tutsi.
Originally from Rwanda, Twagiramungu entered politics in 1991 by founding the Democratic Republican Movement (MDR). His party quickly joined the government coalition in 1992. In 1993, in accordance with the Arusha Accords, he was chosen to become Prime Minister, but the planned government of national unity never saw the light of day due to the assassination of the president. Juvenal Habyarimana.
It was not until July 1994, after the end of the genocide, that Twagiramungu was finally appointed Prime Minister. At the head of a government responsible for restoring stability and national reconciliation, he nevertheless remains critical of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) and the choices of the country’s leader, Paul Kagame. After a year, he resigned from his post and went into exile in Belgium.
Despite his exile, Faustin Twagiramungu continues to be actively involved in politics. He created political parties and even presented himself as a candidate in the 2003 presidential election. However, Paul Kagame won the election and Twagiramungu, until his death, continued to denounce what he described as a “cruel dictatorship”.
The disappearance of Faustin Twagiramungu leaves a void in the Rwandan political landscape. Victoire Ingabire, also an opponent of the current regime, declared that he will forever remain in the history of Rwanda as a fervent defender of democracy.
The authorities in Kigali did not react to the news of the death of the former Prime Minister. Nevertheless, Faustin Twagiramungu’s contribution to the politics and history of Rwanda will never be forgotten.