Richard Sezibera

Richard Sezibera (born June 5, 1964, in Kigali, Rwanda) is a Rwandan medical doctor, diplomat and politician, who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 18 October 2018 until November 4, 2019. He replaced Louise Mushikiwabo. He was replaced by Vincent Biruta on November 4, 2019.

Previously, he was the 4th Secretary General of the East African Community. He was appointed to that position by the East African Community Heads of State on 19 April 2011 for a five-year term. His term ended on 26 April 2016, when Libérat Mfumukeko of Burundi, became the 5th Secretary General of the East African Community.

Early life and education Sezibera was born on 5 June 1964, in Kigali, Rwanda. Sezibera received his early education in Burundi. Sezibera went to Namutamba Demonstration School in the current Mityana Municipality. He then joined St. Mary's College Kisubi. In 1984, he entered Makerere University Medical School in Kampala, Uganda, graduating with the degree of Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBChB) in 1989. Later, he obtained a Master of Arts (MA) degree in Liberal Studies from Georgetown University in the United States.

In 2011: he was appointed East African Community Secretary General, by the Head of States summit held in Dar es Salaam on April 19, 2011. During his tenure, among the many things he did as EAC SG, he was the chairperson of the COMESA – SADC – EAC tripartite task force where he spearheaded the negotiations of the tripartite free trade area agreement (TFTA). The TFTA was signed by the Heads of State and Heads of Government in 2015.

Family Sezibera is married to Eustochie Agasaro Sezibera. Together, they have five children.