On this Monday, January 9th, 2023, Senators unanimously elected Dr François Xavier Kalinda as the new President of the Senate of Rwanda.

President of the Republic of Rwanda, His Excellency Paul Kagame said that the fact that Dr Kalinda has a good track record and experience, there is no doubt that he will efficiently discharge his duties. He promised his support and that of the government and other lawmakers.

President however asked lawmakers to deliver to the expectations to serve Rwandans and change the narrative instead of working as usual.

In his speech after taking the oath, President of the Senate Dr François Xavier Kalinda expressed his gratitude to the President of the Republic for the trust bestowed in him and he hailed senators for his election as President of the Senate.

The President of the Senate vowed to work in collaboration with others, “I will work with all institutions to continue serving Rwandans that we represent here in parliament. I promise my highest commitment and cooperation with everyone. I will seek and give advice and listen to everyone to serve Rwandans.”

Before being appointed as a Senator, Dr François Xavier Kalinda served as a member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA). He also worked as a lecturer and researcher in law at the University of Rwanda’s College of Arts and Social Sciences.