Bizimana named minister of newly created unity ministry

President Paul Kagame on Tuesday, August 31 appointed Jean-Damascène Bizimana, as the minister of the newly created Ministry of National Unity and Civic Engagement. In the same ministry, Clarisse Munezero was appointed Permanent Secretary. The ministry, which was created in July, is set to among others focus on national unity, historical memory and citizenship education. Until his appointment, Bizimana served as the Executive Secretary of the National Commission for the Fight Against Genocide (CNLG), an agency established in 2007 to prevent and fight against genocide, its ideology and overcoming its consequences. Munezero was the Senior Capacity Development Officer at the Legal Aid Forum, a civil society organisation. Among the new appointments, was Francis Gatare who was named senior economic advisor to the President. This is not the first time Gatare has been named senior presidential aide, having previously worked as the Principle Private Secretary to the President. Gatare will be replaced by Ambassador Yamina Karitanyi, as the Chief Executive Officer at the Rwanda Mines, Petroleum and Gas Board, which makes her a member of cabinet. Before her appointment, Karitanyi served as Rwandas high commissioner to the United Kingdom, a position that will now be occupied by Johnston Busingye, who has been the Minister of Justice. The New minister of justice and Attorney General is yet to be named. The head of state also appointed Dr Fidele Ndahayo as Chief Executive at Rwanda Atomic Energy Board (RAEB), which was also created recently. Ndahayo has been a senior lecturer at the University of Rwanda. Established last year, RAEB will coordinate the implementation of the Centre for Nuclear Science and Technology project, which will develop integrated nuclear energy solutions for advancement of key economic sectors. It is also expected to play a significant role in accelerating nuclear development in the key sectors of agriculture, health, electricity generation, pharmaceuticals and biotechnology, industry, environment, geology and mining.Meanwhile Thiery Mihigo Kalisa was named new Chief Economist at the National Bank of Rwanda, replacing Thomas Kigabo who died in January this year. Kalisa has been a chief economist at the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning.

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Bizimana named minister of newly created unity ministry