His resignation was approved during senators’ plenary sitting on Friday 9th December 2022.

The senators who approved his decision by 25 votes also declared the office of the Senate President vacant.

On December 8, 2022, Dr. Iyamuremye addressed a letter to the President of the Republic and the Senators informing them of his resignation citing health reasons.

The letter reads that his current health state requires him to take time off to continue his treatment without compromising his duties.

The Organic Law determining the functioning of the Senate, in its articles 20, 82, 83, 84 and 85, provides for the resignation of the President of Senate and a Senator.

Dr. Iyamuremye’s position will remain vacant for the next 30 days pending the election of the next occupant.

However, Espérance Nyirasafari, the Senate Vice-President in charge of Legislation and Government Oversight who also presided over the plenary sitting, will take over during the transition.

Dr. Iyamuremye was among senators appointed by the President of the Republic.The same process will be applied to name his successor.

Meanwhile, elections will be mandatory to select the new Senate President.

Dr. Iyamurenye expresses gratitude

Dr. Iyamurenye thanked his colleagues at the Senate Bureau for accepting his resignation.

He told the Senators that he had been suffering from a non-contagious disease and other ailments for quite some time.

"Rwandans say that he who needs to get well from an illness brags about it, but there is always discretion," he said.

"As a politician, I will not hide from you that I have been suffering from a non-contagious disease for a while and related problems," added Dr. Iyamuremye.

Dr. Iyamurenye said that the doctors at King Faisal Hospital and Kanombe Hospital took care of him and continue to treat him.

"You elected me to take the Senate to greater heights not to assume duties while in bed and unable to climb these stairs," he noted.

Dr. Iyamurenye thanked the President of the Republic for the trust he has given him in various responsibilities and thanked the senators who have been working with him until today.

Senator Nyirasafari thanked him for his contribution to the development of the Senate.

Colleagues’ appreciation

Senator Umuhire Adrie praised Dr. Iyamurenye for the way he worked closely with others and his advises to colleagues.

Senator Umuhire said that Dr. Iyamurenye’s reason for sickness was clear, whished him quick recovery.

Senator Alvera Mukabaramba also thanked him as a close colleague in the administration of the Senate Bureau.

"I thank him for the experience he has shown in leading all the committees of the Senate. We wish you quick recovery, and may God help you," she said.

Senator Juvenal Nkusi extolled Dr. Iyamurenye’s decision, saying it was in the interest of the country and the institution he was leading.

"He is a man who knows how to make decisions and knows the right time to take them. He is also patriotic,” he affirmed.

Senator Lambert Dushimimana said: "He led us well combining his parenting skills and expertise. I think that his fatherly advice and experience have helped us a lot in our duties. We will continue to follow his advice."

Dr. Iyamuremye submitted his resignation on Thursday this week.