Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has officially declared his candidacy for a fourth term in the country’s upcoming presidential election, scheduled for next year. Kagame, who has been in power since 2000, aims to extend his rule for another seven-year term.
In a recent interview with the pan-African Jeune Afrique magazine, President Kagame confirmed his intention to run for re-election, stating, “I am happy with the confidence that the Rwandans have shown in me. I will always serve them, as much when I can. Yes, I am indeed a candidate.”
Kagame’s eligibility to seek another term was made possible by a constitutional amendment in 2015, which removed term limits that would have otherwise required him to step down in 2017. He was re-elected in August 2017, winning 98.63% of the vote, as reported by the electoral commission.
Under Kagame’s leadership, Rwanda has witnessed significant development and economic growth, particularly in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide, which claimed the lives of an estimated 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus. His administration has been praised for maintaining peace and stability in the country.
However, Kagame’s extended stay in power has faced criticism from some quarters, both domestically and internationally. Critics and human rights groups have raised concerns about limitations on political freedoms and the suppression of dissent during his tenure.
In response to questions about Western perceptions of his decision to run for another term, Kagame remarked, “I’m sorry for the West, but what the West thinks is not my problem.” He appears determined to continue serving his nation as its leader.
As Rwanda prepares for the upcoming election, the decision of President Kagame to seek re-election is expected to be a focal point of both domestic and international discussions.
He has developed the country but in the process he’s hurt so many people. He knows he will be a target once he relinquishes power.
True to our African politics so what’s new
What African politics? Why do you Africans always want to paint yourselves as the devils? Because the white man told you you are hopeless and you’ve believed? British premier Margaret Thatcher stood for three terms and none of you commented. German Chancellor Angela Merkel stood for four terms and you said nothing. Before her, Helmut Kohl ruled for 4 terms and you were silent. The Dutch premier Rutte has ruled for three terms. Tajikistan is not in Africa. Its in Europe and its leader has been in power for 33 years and you are blind to that. There are lubachenkos, Putins, whom you ignore. But you want to connect every negative thing with Africa. Niye mainferiority complex
LATE KAMUZU BANDA OF MALAWI HAD A SOLUTION:
DECLARE HIM LIFE PRESIDENT AND STOP WASTE OF RESOURCES HOLDING PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS.
SIMPLE!
Rwandans are wise. When something is not broken, don’t try to change or fix it. In zambia the f00Is decided to try a man who had never held public office. Today they are crying like constipated hippos
Zambians removed something that was broken & rotten to the core. Now we have fresh air.
Habenson hamoono ha ga ha ga . Fuseke you tribal cadre
If what certain nations have witnessed as clowns for leadership ….Rwanda is on the right trajectory…better a benevalonet then some chap who doesn’t know left from right….
if certain nations have witnessed clowns it is better to have a focused man at the helm
Coup presidents don’t step down.
Jerry Rawlings did
It depends on the country’s constitution. Other countries allow while some like ours have restricted terms so if he is allowed then he should continue until the people of Rwanda say otherwise.
Oh no he’s the constitution himself.
He is not in violation of their constitution so he is free to stand. It is expected for the West not to support him because he is clearly not a puppet like some people we know. An African president who stands for his people when it comes to minerals and other natural resources will be called a Dictator like the way they did Mugabe, Gaddafi etc. Those that give them tax holidays and go begging for handouts will be praised and called Democrats even when they arrest their opponents daily and deny the former president his rights to traveling.
The Americans are not yet tired of him. Soon he will be a spent force.
Is Bongo still president of Gabon? The Junta retired him.
Not only African Politicians…look at USA…Joe Biden has been in Politics for over 60 years and he still wants to be President at 84…..Nancy Pelosi has been in Politics for over 50 years and she still wants to be in Politics….The Only thing that stops American Presidents is the constitution otherwise given a chance they would be in Office till they die….POWER IS SWEET ASK TRUMP OR LATE FTJ
That’s why we should advocate for provinces’ powers. To help us prevent some of these things from happening.