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
1st Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs of Rwanda
In office
26 October 1960 – 12 June 1968
PresidentGregoire Kayibanda
Preceded byOffice established
Succeeded byNzanana Fidèle
Personal details
Born(1930-05-30)May 30, 1930
Byumba, Rwanda
DiedFebruary 6, 1982(1982-02-06) (aged 51)
NationalityRwandan
Political partyParmehutu
Spouse(s)Agnes Verrycken (m. 1961)
Children3
Alma materUniversity of Antwerp


Career
President Gregoire Kayibanda and Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs Gaspard Cyimana meet with U.S. President John Kennedy (1962).

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
  1. Gaspard Cyimana, “Plaidoyer pour le menu peuple au Rwanda-Burundi, article du 15 mars 1959”
  2. Nkundabagenzi, Fidèle. Rwanda Politique. Bruxelles: The Centre, 1961. Print.
  3. Tsuruta, Aya. “‘It is difficult to understand Rwandan history’: contested history of ethnicity and dynamics of conflicts in Rwanda during Revolution and Independence.” 2014.
  4. “LE RUANDA A UN NOUVEAU GOUVERNEMENT.” Le Monde, 11 Nov. 1965.
  5. Kigali, Carrefour d'Afrique, French, February 1968, pp 10-11
  6. “Love Finds a Way.” Jet Magazine, 11 Jan. 1962, p. 36.
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