Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame was sworn into office on Sunday for a five-year term, extending his nearly quarter century in power. This follows a landslide victory in last month’s election, where Kagame secured 99.18% of the vote. His win has been met with both praise and criticism.
The 66-year-old former rebel leader has garnered acclaim from Western and regional leaders for his role in ending the 1994 genocide and transforming Rwanda into an attractive destination for investment and aid. However, his reputation has also been tarnished by allegations of human rights abuses, suppression of dissent, and support for rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo, accusations which Kagame has consistently denied.
The swearing-in ceremony took place at Kigali’s Amahoro National Stadium, drawing thousands of attendees clad in the national colors of yellow, green, and blue. Kagame received a 21-gun salute amidst cheers from the crowd. A significant show of support came from 22 heads of state from African nations who were present at the ceremony.
Rwanda’s constitution was amended in 2015, allowing Kagame to extend his tenure. The two candidates who challenged him last month, Frank Habineza from the Democratic Green Party and independent Philippe Mpayimana, both conceded defeat. However, the election was criticized by rights groups who alleged a crackdown on media, opposition figures, and civil society organizations. The Rwandan government, through its spokesperson, has repeatedly dismissed these accusations.
