Kagame Sworn in for Fourth Term as Rwandan President

In a ceremony that solidified his grip on power, Rwandan President Paul Kagame was sworn in for his fourth term on Sunday, following a commanding victory in last month’s elections. With over 99 percent of the vote, Kagame’s re-election was as decisive as it was anticipated. The inauguration took place at the grand 45,000-seat stadium in Kigali, where an enthusiastic crowd had gathered from the early hours. Dignitaries from across Africa were in attendance, underscoring the significance of Kagame’s continued leadership. Chief Justice Faustin Ntezilyayo administered the oath of office, with Kagame promising to “preserve peace and national sovereignty, consolidate national unity.” This pledge reflects Kagame’s long-standing focus on stability and development in Rwanda since he first came to prominence following the 1994 genocide.

The election results, revealing Kagame’s dominance with 99.18 percent of the vote, have reignited debates about democratic practices in Rwanda. The contest was marked by the exclusion of several prominent critics and the limited choice of candidates—only two out of eight potential contenders were approved to run against Kagame. Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party secured a distant second place with just 0.5 percent of the vote. Kagame’s tenure is often praised for transforming Rwanda from the ashes of the genocide into a nation recognized for its development and growth. However, his administration is also criticized for its harsh stance on dissent and human rights concerns, with accusations of stifling opposition through intimidation and repression. In a notable development, Angolan President Joao Lourenco, present at the inauguration, is expected to hold private talks with Kagame on a ceasefire deal concerning the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The deal, brokered by Angola, aims to address the tensions and violence in the region, although recent clashes involving the M23 rebel group have complicated the situation.

With Rwanda’s youthful population—65 percent under the age of 30—Kagame remains a central figure in their lives. Tania Iriza, a 27-year-old trader and attendee at the inauguration, expressed her support: “I proudly cast my vote for President Kagame and made it a priority to be here today to witness this historic inauguration. His leadership has been transformative for our nation.” Kagame’s re-election marks the continuation of his influence in Rwandan politics, having won every presidential election since he first came to power, each time with overwhelming support. The 2015 constitutional amendments, which allowed him to potentially remain in power until 2034, underscore his enduring presence in the country’s political landscape. Stay tuned for more updates on Kagame’s presidency and its implications for Rwanda and the region.