KIGALI, Rwanda

Rwandan President Paul Kagame sacked Prime Minister Edouard Ngirente on Wednesday, replacing him with a banker, according to a statement

Ngirente, who had served since 2017, was replaced by Justin Nsengiyumva, said the office of the government’s spokesperson.

Nsengiyumva served as vice governor of the National Bank of Rwanda until Wednesday.

He pledged to serve Rwanda with humility and dedication.

“I fully embrace the responsibility entrusted to me and remain committed to advancing our national priorities with integrity and purpose. I will give all I have in me to help you [president] achieve your great vision for this country,” he said.

The appointment of a new prime minister paves the way for the formation of a new Cabinet, according to the Constitution.

Cabinet members must be appointed by the president with consultation with the new prime minister within 15 days.

Nsengiyumva holds a PhD in economics from the University of Leicester, a master’s in economic policy and management from the University of Nairobi and a bachelor of commerce from the Catholic University of Eastern Africa.

He previously served as permanent secretary in the education and trade and industry ministries.

Earlier, he worked in the UK government as a senior economic advisor in the Office of Rail and Road.​​​​​​​