Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has officially begun his new five-year term following his overwhelming victory in last month’s election. The 66-year-old leader, who has been in power for nearly a quarter of a century, was sworn in on Sunday during a grand ceremony at Kigali’s Amahoro National Stadium. The event was attended by thousands of Rwandans and 22 heads of state from across Africa, marking the beginning of yet another chapter in Kagame’s long tenure.
Kagame’s win in the July election was nothing short of decisive. He secured 99.18% of the vote, a margin that leaves little doubt about his dominance in Rwandan politics. However, the election was not without controversy. Critics have pointed out that eight other candidates, including some of Kagame’s most vocal opponents, were barred from running by the country’s electoral commission. This has raised questions about the fairness of the election, despite the overwhelming support Kagame received.
Kagame’s rise to power and his continued leadership have been characterized by both praise and criticism. He first gained international attention as a key figure in ending the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, a period of horrific violence that saw the deaths of an estimated 800,000 people. In the years that followed, Kagame was lauded for transforming Rwanda into a stable and prosperous nation, attracting significant foreign investment and aid. Western and regional leaders have often praised his leadership, citing Rwanda as a success story in a region plagued by instability.
However, Kagame’s legacy is not without its darker aspects. His administration has been repeatedly accused of human rights abuses, including the suppression of dissent and media freedoms. Opposition figures, journalists, and civil society groups have often found themselves targets of government crackdowns, especially around election times. International human rights organizations have frequently raised concerns about the state of democracy in Rwanda under Kagame’s rule.
These allegations of repression have been compounded by Kagame’s involvement in regional conflicts. Rwanda has been accused of supporting rebel groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo, a charge that Kagame has consistently denied. Despite these denials, the accusations have cast a long shadow over his administration’s reputation, both at home and abroad.
In his inaugural address on Sunday, Kagame acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead but expressed confidence in Rwanda’s ability to continue on its path of development. “For the last 30 years, our country has been good work in progress. This new mandate means the beginning of even more hard work,” Kagame said. His words were met with applause from the crowd, many of whom wore T-shirts in the yellow, green, and blue colors of the national flag.
Kagame’s speech emphasized the importance of building on the progress that Rwanda has made since the genocide, framing his new term as a continuation of the country’s journey toward prosperity. “That expectation to keep improving is not a dream, it is a reality. We can do it and we will do it,” he declared, striking a tone of optimism and determination.
The swearing-in ceremony itself was a spectacle, underscoring Kagame’s status as a central figure in Rwandan political life. As he took the oath of office, Kagame was honored with a military 21-gun salute, a traditional gesture that symbolizes respect and authority. The crowd’s cheers echoed through the stadium, reflecting the strong support he enjoys among many Rwandans.
Yet, the celebrations in Kigali were not enough to silence the voices of those who question the legitimacy of Kagame’s victory. The two men who ran against him in the election, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana, both conceded defeat shortly after the results were announced. However, their participation in the election was marred by allegations of unfair practices, including a crackdown on media and opposition activities.
Rights groups have pointed out that the election took place in an environment where freedom of expression and political opposition were severely restricted. Reports of intimidation and harassment of opposition candidates were widespread, leading some to argue that the outcome of the election was predetermined. Despite these concerns, the Rwandan government has repeatedly dismissed the criticism, insisting that the election was free and fair.
A government spokesperson defended the election process during the campaign, rejecting claims that it was marred by irregularities. The spokesperson argued that Rwanda’s elections are a reflection of the will of the people and that Kagame’s landslide victory was a testament to his popularity and the progress the country has made under his leadership.
This defense, however, has done little to ease the concerns of those who believe that Rwanda is drifting away from democratic principles. The 2015 constitutional amendment that allowed Kagame to extend his time in office has been particularly contentious. The amendment effectively paved the way for Kagame to remain in power until 2034, raising fears that Rwanda could be headed toward a form of one-man rule.
