Bernard Makuza was today sworn in as Rwanda’s new Senate president, replacing Dr Jean-Damascène Ntawukuliryayo who stepped down under growing pressure last month.

Twenty-five out of 26 Senators voted for Makuza with only one member voting ‘No’. He stood unopposed after Laurent Nkusi declined to be nominated for the position. 

Makuza was nominated by fellow senator Apollinaire Mushinzimana.

Makuza has been serving as Senate vice president in charge of Legislation and Government Oversight.

President Paul Kagame chaired the session at the Parliamentary Buildings, slightly less than a month after Ntawukuliryayo’s resignation.

Makuza is an independent politician and boasts long experience in government, having served as prime minister between 2000 and 2011.

Ntawukuliryayo, who remains a senator, stepped down following a petition by the majority of Senators protesting his leadership style, which they described as dictatorial.