Rwanda’s President, Paul Kagame, has officially announced his intention to seek re-election in the upcoming year, with the aim of extending his tenure as the country’s leader. In an interview with the pan-African magazine Jeune Afrique, published on Tuesday, the 65-year-old president expressed his gratitude for the confidence placed in him by the Rwandan people and affirmed his commitment to serving them. Paul, who assumed office in 2000, is eligible to continue in his position for an additional decade following a constitutional amendment in 2015 that revised term limits.
In the previous election held in August 2017, Kagame secured an overwhelming victory with 98.63 percent of the vote, according to the electoral commission. His re-election as the chair of the governing Rwandan Patriotic Front party earlier this year for another five-year term further solidified his political position.
However, Kagame’s administration has faced criticism from human rights groups, particularly regarding the alleged suppression of political opposition and restrictions on independent media. Despite these accusations, Paul has consistently rejected them, maintaining that his government is committed to stability, development, and progress.
The 2023 World Press Freedom Index compiled by Reporters Without Borders ranked Rwanda 131st out of 180 countries, highlighting concerns about media freedom in the country. As Kagame prepares for the upcoming election, his candidacy is expected to generate both support and scrutiny, with Rwandans and international observers closely monitoring the political landscape in the lead-up to the election.
