Paul Kagame sworn in as Rwanda's President for Fourth term

Election Results and Inauguration

• Paul Kagame sworn in for fourth term as Rwanda's president on August 11, 2024
• Won 99.18% vote in the July 15, 2024 election
• Inauguration ceremony held in a packed 45,000-seat stadium in Kigali
• Several African heads of state and dignitaries attended
• Kagame took the oath of office before Chief Justice Faustin Ntezilyayo
• Pledged to "preserve peace and na4tional sovereignty, consolidate national unity"
• Vowed not to use powers for personal interests
• Large crowd gathered, including many young supporters

Kagame's Political Career and Influence

• In power since 1994, following the Rwandan genocide
• Officially became president in 2000
• Won at least 93% of the vote in all four presidential elections
• Oversaw constitutional amendments in 2015, allowing him to potentially rule until 2034
• 65% of Rwanda's population is under 30, knowing only Kagame's leadership
• Credited with rebuilding Rwanda after the 1994 genocide
• Aims to transform Rwanda into the "Singapore of Africa"
• Improved infrastructure, including making Kigali one of Africa's cleanest cities
• Hosted events like Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting and international concerts

Criticisms and Human Rights Concerns

• Election faced heavy criticism for lack of fairness
• Only two candidates allowed to run against Kagame out of eight applicants
• Accusations of voter intimidation and silencing of opposition
• Human rights activists point to a climate of fear in the country
• Reports of intimidation, arbitrary detentions, killings, and disappearances of opponents
• Limitations on free speech and press freedom
• Criticism of Kagame's government for alleged involvement in DR Congo conflict
• UN report claimed 4,000 Rwandan troops in DR Congo, supporting M23 rebel group

Rwanda's History and Regional Relations

• 1994 Rwandan genocide resulted in approximately 800,000 deaths, mostly Tutsis
• Genocide lasted about 100 days, preceded by years of ethnic tension
• Kagame credited with helping end the genocide
• Rwanda seen as a model for post-conflict reconciliation
• Improved economy and technological progress under Kagame's leadership
• Strong supporter of gender equality, with Rwanda having the highest percentage of women in parliament globally
• Tensions with neighboring DR Congo due to alleged support of M23 rebels
• Rwandan troops twice invaded DR Congo, citing pursuit of Hutu militias linked to 1994 genocide
• Recent ceasefire agreement brokered by Angola, but violence continues