Sylvie Kinigi

Sylvie Kinigi (born 1952) was Prime Minister of Burundi from 10 July 1993 to 7 February 1994, the first and to date only woman to hold the position.

Kinigi was born in 1952, and is a member of the Tutsi ethnic group. Her husband, with whom she had five children, was a member of the Hutu ethnic group — there has traditionally been a poor relationship between Tutsis and Hutus. Kinigi graduated from Burundi University, having studied economic management, and worked in the Burundi civil service. She eventually became a senior advisor in the Prime Minister's office, focusing on economic policy.

When Melchior Ndadaye was elected President of Burundi in 1993, he appointed Kinigi as his Prime Minister. This was part of an effort to build unity between Burundi's two ethnic groups — Ndadaye was a Hutu, and wished to decrease Tutsi hostility to his administration by appointing a Tutsi as Prime Minister. Kinigi stated that reconciliation between the two ethnic groups would be her highest priority.

On 21 October, however, President Ndadaye and six of his ministers were captured and killed by Tutsi insurgents. This marked the beginning of the Burundi Civil War, with widespread ethnic violence breaking out. Kinigi and other senior government figures took refuge in the French embassy, and survived the chaos. On 1 November, Kinigi attempted to gather together a new administration, effectively becoming acting President. Her position was bolstered when Pierre Buyoya and Jean Baptiste Bagaza, former presidents, gave their support to her government.

In January the following year, Parliament declared that Cyprien Ntaryamira, the former agriculture minister, would serve as President for the remainder of Ndadaye's term. As Ntaryamira was a Hutu, the appointment generated hostility from many Tutsis. Kinigi, however, recognised Ntaryamira as President, and retained her position as Prime Minister. In February, however, she was replaced by Anatole Kanyenkiko, another Tutsi. Kinigi then took a position in Burundi's banking sector.

As of 2004, Kinigi was working with the UNDP.