Rwanda’s long-serving President Paul Kagame was sworn in on Sunday for a fourth term after winning last month’s election with an overwhelming 99.18% vote. The inauguration ceremony took place at the packed 45,000-seat Amahoro National Stadium in the capital Kigali, attended by several dozen heads of state and dignitaries from across Africa.
During the oath of office administered by Chief Justice Faustin Ntezilyayo, Kagame pledged to “preserve peace and national sovereignty, consolidate national unity”. The 66-year-old Rwandan leader has ruled the country since the 1994 genocide, first as de facto leader and then as president.
Landslide Victory
Kagame’s victory was never doubted, as only two candidates were authorized to run against him out of eight applicants, with several prominent critics barred from participating. The Democratic Green Party’s Frank Habineza came in second with 0.5% of the vote, while independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana received 0.32%.
The National Electoral Commission reported a voter turnout rate of 98% among Rwanda’s approximately 9 million eligible voters. In his inaugural speech, Kagame highlighted the role of the country’s spirit of unity in his election win, stating “Our political process is designed to renew and deepen our unity.”
Concerns Over Lack of Democracy
While Kagame is credited with rebuilding Rwanda after the genocide and establishing relative stability, rights groups argue that he rules in a climate of fear, crushing dissent through intimidation, arbitrary detentions, and enforced disappearances. The overwhelming margin of his victory is seen as a stark reminder of the lack of democracy in the country.
Kagame has consistently achieved over 93% of the vote in his four electoral campaigns. The BBC notes that the extent of his success highlights the absence of democratic practices in Rwanda, as only two candidates were permitted to contest against him in the July 15 election.
Regional Tensions
Ahead of the inauguration, Angola’s President João Lourenço was scheduled to hold private talks with Kagame on a ceasefire deal for the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Rwanda is accused of stoking instability in the eastern DRC by backing the M23 rebel group fighting the Kinshasa government.
Under Kagame’s leadership, Rwandan forces have invaded the DRC on two occasions, claiming they were targeting Hutu militias associated with the 1994 genocide. A recent UN report indicated that approximately 4,000 Rwandan troops were deployed in the DRC, further intensifying tensions between the two nations