Grégoire Kayibanda

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Grégoire Kayibanda (May 1, 1924-December 15, 1976) was a Rwandan politician. Kayibanda was born in Tare, Rwanda, and came from the south of the country. He led Rwanda's struggle to become independent from Belgium and for the overthrow of the Tutsi monarchy.

Kayibanda, an ethnic Hutu, founded the Parmehutu party (Parti du Mouvement de l'Emancipation Hutu). His successful campaign brought his ethnic group, the majority ethnic group in Rwanda, to power.

Kayibanda served as President of Rwanda from 1962 when he was elected after independence, until July 5, 1973, when he was overthrown by his friend, defense minister Major General Juvénal Habyarimana in a military coup. The Habyarimana coup was described as bloodless but it was not. An estimated fifty five people, mostly officials, lawyers or businessmen close to the previous regime, were killed either by poison or by hammer blows after being arrested and thrown into prison. The families of these people were given sums of money to pay for their silence. Kayibanda and his wife were starved to death in a secret location.

Preceded by Dominique Mbonyumutwa

President of Rwanda October 26, 1961 – July 5, 1973

Succeeded by Juvénal Habyarimana

v • d • e Presidents of Rwanda Dominique Mbonyumutwa • Grégoire Kayibanda • Juvénal Habyarimana • Théodore Sindikubwabo • Pasteur Bizimungu • Paul Kagame

v • d • e Prime Ministers of Rwanda Grégoire Kayibanda • office abolished, 1962-1991 • Sylvestre Nsanzimana • Dismas Nsengiyaremye • Agathe Uwilingiyimana • Jean Kambanda • Faustin Twagiramungu • Pierre-Célestin Rwigema • Bernard Makuza