Gaspard Cyimana
Gaspard Cyimana (May 30, 1930 – February 6, 1982) was a Rwandan politician and businessman. He served as the 1st Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs of Rwanda from 1960-1968.
Gaspard Cyimana | |
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1st Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs of Rwanda | |
In office 26 October 1960 – 12 June 1968 | |
President | Gregoire Kayibanda |
Preceded by | Office established |
Succeeded by | Nzanana Fidèle |
Personal details | |
Born | Byumba, Rwanda | May 30, 1930
Died | February 6, 1982 51) | (aged
Nationality | Rwandan |
Political party | Parmehutu |
Spouse(s) | Agnes Verrycken (m. 1961) |
Children | 3 |
Alma mater | University of Antwerp |
Career
![](../I/m/President_and_Minister_of_Finance_of_Rwanda_meeting_with_President_Kennedy.jpg)
While an economics student in Belgium, Cyimana advocated for independence from Belgium and the dismantlement of the feudalistic Rwandan political system. In his two most prominent works, he argued for a more equitable distribution of political power between the three ethnic groups.[1] Cyimana also favored democracy as a way to return power to the people.[2] In the lead up to independence, Cyimana was selected to serve as Minister of Finance in the provisional government and then as the official Minister of Finance in the 1st government.[3] [4] Cyimana continued to serve until his resignation in 1968.
During Cyimana's tenure, the government passed a balanced budget for the first time, made large investments in education, and financed the roads and infrastructure for the developing nation.[5]
Cyimana entered the private sector while maintaining other government posts following his time as Minister.
Personal Life
Cyimana married Agnes Verrycken in 1961.[6] They had three children and one grandson.
References
- Gaspard Cyimana, “Plaidoyer pour le menu peuple au Rwanda-Burundi, article du 15 mars 1959”
- Nkundabagenzi, Fidèle. Rwanda Politique. Bruxelles: The Centre, 1961. Print.
- Tsuruta, Aya. “‘It is difficult to understand Rwandan history’: contested history of ethnicity and dynamics of conflicts in Rwanda during Revolution and Independence.” 2014.
- “LE RUANDA A UN NOUVEAU GOUVERNEMENT.” Le Monde, 11 Nov. 1965.
- Kigali, Carrefour d'Afrique, French, February 1968, pp 10-11
- “Love Finds a Way.” Jet Magazine, 11 Jan. 1962, p. 36.