In a recent revelation, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame declared his intention to vie for a fourth term in the upcoming elections scheduled for next year. During an online discussion with the prominent French-language journal, Jeune Afrique, the 65-year-old leader affirmed, “Indeed, I am running.”
According to a report by Vanguard, President Kagame articulated his gratitude towards the Rwandan citizens: “The trust that Rwandans have bestowed upon me is humbling. I remain committed to serving them as long as I can.”
In a strategic move earlier this year, Rwanda’s government merged the timelines for parliamentary and presidential elections, setting the date for August of the forthcoming year.
Until now, Kagame had been ambiguous about his political future. However, he has previously steered contentious constitutional reforms in 2015 that effectively permitted him to contend for additional terms, potentially extending his reign until 2034.
Initially recognized as a rebel leader, Kagame assumed the presidency in April 2000. Nevertheless, many consider him the linchpin of Rwandan politics since the cessation of the devastating 1994 genocide. Under his leadership, the nation witnessed him securing overwhelming victories in the 2003, 2010, and 2017 polls, each time with over 90% of the votes.
While Rwanda boasts a reputation as one of Africa’s most consistent nations, global human rights organizations have continually criticized Kagame’s administration, alleging a pervasive atmosphere of intimidation, suppression of opposition, and curbing of free speech.
One prominent incident that captured international attention was the 2021 arrest and subsequent sentencing of Paul Rusesabagina, renowned for his portrayal in “Hotel Rwanda.” An ardent critic of Kagame, Rusesabagina faced a 25-year sentence on terrorism allegations.
Following a presidential reprieve, he was released in March this year, relocating to the U.S. Shortly after, he produced a video message allegorically describing Rwandans as “captives in their homeland.”
Furthermore, Rwanda’s position at 131 in the 2023 World Press Freedom Index by Reporters Without Borders underscores the challenges facing the nation’s media sector.
In a 2022 conversation with France 24, when probed about his electoral ambitions, Kagame playfully remarked he might “contemplate a run for another two decades.”
Rewinding to Kagame’s early political journey, at a mere 36 years, he played a pivotal role with his Rwandan Patriotic Front party in dethroning the Hutu extremists. These extremists were responsible for the harrowing genocide that resulted in the death of nearly 800,000 individuals, predominantly from the Tutsi community but also including moderate Hutus, all within a span of a few months in 1994.
