Who Is Paul Rusesabagina? Age, Biography and Wiki
Paul Rusesabagina was born on June 15, 1954, making him 70 years old as of 2025. A Rwandan-Belgian humanitarian, he gained international recognition for his efforts to protect Tutsi refugees during the Rwandan Genocide in 1994. Rusesabagina's story was immortalized in the film "Hotel Rwanda," where he was portrayed as a hero who used his influence as a hotel manager to save hundreds of lives.
Rusesabagina's humanitarian efforts have been a cornerstone of his life. His advocacy for peace and justice in Rwanda has brought him both accolades and controversies, particularly during and after the events of the genocide.
| Occupation | Autobiographer |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | June 15, 1954 |
| Age | 71 Years |
| Birth Place | Murama, Kigali, Ruanda-Urundi |
| Horoscope | Gemini |
| Country | Rwanda |
Popularity
Paul Rusesabagina's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements can vary, it is reported that Paul Rusesabagina stands at approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and weighs around 180 pounds (82 kg). His physique has aged gracefully over the years, indicative of a lifestyle focused on resilience and advocacy rather than celebrity glamour.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Paul Rusesabagina is known to be a family man, having been married to his wife, Tatiana, since 1990. Together, they have three children. While there have been few public mentions of his dating life beyond his marriage, it is clear that his family has been a significant source of support throughout his humanitarian journey.
Rusesabagina's family has navigated significant challenges, particularly since his return to Rwanda and subsequent legal challenges. However, their bond remains strong amid the turbulence.
He was one of nine children born to a Hutu father, a respected community elder named Thomas Rupfure, and a Tutsi mother in Murama, Rwanda. Although stating that he grew up poor, in a "house ... made of mud and sticks" and "without shoes", Rusesabagina described his upbringing as "solidly middle class by the standards of Africa in the 1950s".
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Paul Rusesabagina's net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. His income has primarily been derived from speaking engagements, book sales, and humanitarian work. Despite facing legal battles and personal challenges, his legacy continues to resonate, allowing him to maintain a platform for advocacy and education.
In 2008, the book Hotel Rwanda or the Tutsi Genocide as seen by Hollywood, by Alfred Ndahiro, a public relations advisor to Kagame, and journalist Privat Rutazibwa, was published. The authors conducted interviews with 74 people who had stayed in the Hotel during the genocide.
Their accounts provide an alternative take to the portrayal of Rusesabagina's actions as seen in the film Hotel Rwanda: Many of the survivors criticise Rusesabagina in their interviews. This was followed by the 2011 publication of Inside the Hotel Rwanda: The Surprising True Story ...
And Why it Matters Today, co-written by Hotel des Mille Collines Survivor Edouard Kayihura and American writer Kerry Zukus.
Both books are critical of Rusesabagina, alleging that he forced refugees to pay for their rooms and all of the food which was given to them, he cut off communication lines to the hotel which were located outside his own office, he was a prominent member of Hutu Power politics, and he handed a list of refugees over to Interahamwe forces and broadca
sters at the RTLM, among other things.
Career, Business, and Investments
Rusesabagina's career as a hotel manager laid the groundwork for his humanitarian accomplishments. After the genocide, he moved to Belgium and became a sought-after speaker, sharing his experiences and advocating for peace and reconciliation.
In recent years, Rusesabagina has been involved in various philanthropic initiatives and organizations focused on human rights and social justice. While he faced a significant setback with his arrest in 2020 under controversial circumstances, he remains an influential figure in the humanitarian space, emphasizing the importance of democracy and human dignity.
On the back of newly found international fame, Rusesabagina embarked on a successful career as a public speaker, mostly touring universities in the United States. He campaigns for the Hotel Rwanda Rusesabagina Foundation, which he founded in 2006. He holds Belgian citizenship and a U.S.
green card and has homes in Brussels, Belgium and San Antonio, Texas. Since fleeing Rwanda in 1996, he has become a prominent critic of Paul Kagame and the RPF government. He founded the PDR-Ihumure political party in 2006, and is currently President of the MRCD.
Social Network
Paul Rusesabagina is active on various social media platforms, where he shares insights into his advocacy work and engages with followers interested in human rights issues. His presence on platforms like Twitter and Instagram helps raise awareness about ongoing struggles for justice and peace not only in Rwanda but also worldwide.
- Twitter: @PaulRusesabagina
- Instagram: @PaulRusesabagina
His comments have attracted strong criticism in Rwanda. On 6 April 2006, Kagame suggested, "[Rusesabagina] should try his talents elsewhere and not climb on the falsehood of being a hero, because it's totally false".
Francois Xavier Ngarambe, the president of Ibuka, the umbrella body of survivors' associations for the genocide, said of Rusesabagina, "he has hijacked heroism. He is trading with the genocide. He should be charged." Terry George, the director of Hotel Rwanda, characterized the comment as part of a smear campaign.
The Rwandan government has accused Rusesabagina of genocide denial. Various media outlets in Rwanda, including The New Times, have accused him of genocide denial.
Education
While specific details about his educational background are limited, it's known that Rusesabagina pursued studies in hospitality management, enhancing his skills which later played a pivotal role during the genocide. His formal education, coupled with his life experiences, shaped his humanitarian outlook, ultimately driving his commitment to social justice.
In conclusion, Paul Rusesabagina, now at the age of 70, continues to embody resilience and advocacy in the face of challenges. His life story remains a powerful reminder of the impact one individual can have on the lives of many, particularly in the sphere of human rights and humanitarian efforts.
