- Rwandan president sworn in after 99% election win
- Kagame is credited with bringing peace and stability to Rwanda whilst others say his rule has become authoritarian
- Rights groups have pointed to the overwhelming electoral margin as evidence of a flawed democratic process
- Rwanda has been relatively stable since Kagame came to power
Rwandan president sworn in after 99% election win
Paul Kagame has officially begun his fourth term as Rwanda’s president after securing 99% of the vote in last month’s election. While Kagame is credited with bringing peace and stability to Rwanda following the 1994 genocide, critics argue that his rule has become increasingly authoritarian, stifling dissent and democracy.
Rights groups have pointed to the overwhelming electoral margin as evidence of a flawed democratic process, noting that only two challengers were allowed to run against Kagame in the July 15 election. This is consistent with his previous election victories, where he has consistently received over 93% of the vote.
The inauguration ceremony, held at the 45,000-seat Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali, was attended by thousands, including several African heads of state. During his oath, Kagame pledged to preserve peace, uphold national sovereignty, and serve the nation’s interests over personal gain.
Mr Kagame has been the real power in Rwanda since his then rebel forces came to power at the end of the genocide in which some 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus were slaughtered, ousting the genocidal regime.
Since then, Rwanda has been relatively stable, with Mr Kagame seeking to turn the country into the “Singapore of Africa”.