Faustin Birindwa
Faustin Birindwa (1943 – 29 April 1999) was a Congolese politician. A technocrat, he was an advisor to Étienne Tshisekedi and was named his Minister of Finance in October 1991[1], though Birindwa never took office. He became foreign minister in August 1992. After Tshisekedi was dismissed by Mobutu Sese Seko, Birindwa became Prime Minister on 18 March 1993 as a member of the pro-Mobutu Forces Politiques du Conclave. As a result, he was expelled from the Union for Democracy and Social Progress.[2]
Faustin Birindwa | |
|---|---|
| Prime Minister of Zaire | |
| In office 18 March 1993 – 14 January 1994 | |
| President | Mobutu Sese Seko |
| Preceded by | Étienne Tshisekedi |
| Succeeded by | Kengo Wa Dondo |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1943 |
| Died | 29 April 1999 |
| Political party | Union for Democracy and Social Progress |
As Prime Minister, Birindwa attempted to deal with the economic crisis. He announced monetary reform and instituted a new currency in September 1993, with anyone who refused to accept the currency facing imprisonment. Nonetheless, inflation by the end of the year was estimated at 9,000 percent.[3] He attempted to hold elections but was stifled by supporters of Étienne Tshisekedi, who claimed he was the legitimate prime minister. In 1994, after a decision by the Haut Conseil de la Republique/Parlement du Transition, Birindwa stepped down as prime minister. He was succeeded by Kengo Wa Dondo, whose election in June 1994 was controversial among the opposition.[2] Birindwa died on 29 April 1999 in Italy of a heart attack.[4]
References
- "MINISTERE DES FINANCES :Patrice Kitebi passe le flambeau à Henri Yav Mulang". 7sur7.cd. December 12, 2014.
- Kisangani, E.F.; Bobb, S.F. (2009). Historical Dictionary of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Scarecrow Press. p. 112. ISBN 9780810863255.
- 1993 Human Rights Report Archived 2016-07-17 at the Wayback Machine US Department of State.
- Weekly News Issue