Bernard Busokoza
Bernard Busokoza (born August 6, 1953) is a Burundi Tutsi politician who served as the Vice President of Burundi from October 2013 to February 1, 2014.
Bernard Busokoza | |
|---|---|
| Vice President of Burundi | |
| In office October 2013 – February 1, 2014 | |
| Preceded by | Therence Sinunguruza |
| Succeeded by | Prosper Bazombanza |
| Personal details | |
| Born | August 6, 1953 Commune of Mugamba, Bururi Province, Burundi |
| Political party | Union for National Progress |
Early life and education edit
Busokoza was born on August 6, 1953, in Mugamba Commune, Bururi Province, Burundi.[1] In 1974, he graduated from the University of Burundi with a degree in economics.[1]
Business career edit
Busokoza has held various senior positions across the country in the telecommunications field.
He was vice chairman of the Board of Directors of Meridien Biao Bank from 1988 until 1991. And From 1996–1999, he was CEO of Africell Burundi.[1] He is currently the Vice-President of Africell's board.[1]
Vice Presidency edit
In October 2013, Therence Sinunguruza resigned as vice president and Busokoza assumed the position.[2]
Sacking edit
On February 1, 2014, after Busokoza opposed his plans to scrap presidential term limits, Pierre Nkurunziza, the President of Burundi, decided to dismiss Busokoza,[3] sparking a major political crisis in Burundi. Some even compared the crisis to the South Sudanese Civil War.[4] On 19 October 2020 the Supreme Court of Burundi sentenced Busokoza and 18 others to prison for involvement in the 1993 coup attempt and murder of President Melchior Ndadaye.[5]
Personal life edit
Busokoza is a father of 6 children.[1] He practices Catholicism.[1]
References edit
- ^ a b c d e f "Qui est Bernard Busokoza ?" (in French). October 22, 2013. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
- ^ Lansford, Tom (24 March 2015). Political Handbook of the World 2015. CQ Press. ISBN 9781483371559.
- ^ "Crisis in Burundi As Vice President Escapes". February 5, 2014. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
- ^ "BURUNDI ON THE PATH OF SOUTH SUDAN: PIERRE NKURUNZIZA VS BERNARD BUSOKOZA; SALVA KIIR VS RIEK MAKAR". February 5, 2014. from the original on 2021-04-11. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
- ^ "Ex-Burundi president gets prison term for 1993 killing of victorious election opponent". Reuters. 20 October 2020. Retrieved 13 November 2020.