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 byTherence Sinunguruza
Succeeded byProsper Bazombanza
Personal details
Born (1953-08-06) August 6, 1953
Commune of Mugamba, Bururi Province, Burundi
Political partyUnion for National Progress

Early life and education

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

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

In October 2013, Therence Sinunguruza resigned as vice president and Busokoza assumed the position.[2]

Sacking

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

Busokoza is a father of 6 children.[1] He practices Catholicism.[1]

References
  1. "Qui est Bernard Busokoza ?" (in French). October 22, 2013. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  2. Lansford, Tom (24 March 2015). Political Handbook of the World 2015. CQ Press. ISBN 9781483371559.
  3. "Crisis in Burundi As Vice President Escapes". February 5, 2014. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  4. "BURUNDI ON THE PATH OF SOUTH SUDAN: PIERRE NKURUNZIZA VS BERNARD BUSOKOZA; SALVA KIIR VS RIEK MAKAR". February 5, 2014. Archived from the original on 2021-04-11. Retrieved August 10, 2020.
  5. "Ex-Burundi president gets prison term for 1993 killing of victorious election opponent". Reuters. 20 October 2020. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
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