Rwanda's Kagame Announces His Intention To Run For The Fourth Term

Paul kagame, President Of Rwanda

Rwanda's President Paul Kagame has announced his intention to run for a fourth term in the upcoming presidential election next year. In an interview with Jeune Afrique magazine, President Kagame confirmed his candidacy, stating, "Yes, I am indeed a candidate."

When asked about potential concerns from the West regarding his decision to run again, President Kagame expressed indifference, saying, "I'm sorry for the West, but what the West thinks is not my problem." He emphasized his focus on serving the Rwandan people and expressed gratitude for their trust and support.

It's worth noting that earlier in April, President Kagame had jokingly mentioned his anticipation of retiring and passing on power after being in office for 23 years. However, his recent announcement reflects a willingness to continue leading the country.

President Kagame has been the chairman of the ruling party, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi), since 1998, and he was reelected to this position in April. He has served as the President of Rwanda since 2000 when he was first elected. In 2015, a controversial referendum removed the two-term constitutional limit for presidents, allowing President Kagame to be elected for a third term.

In the last presidential election held in 2017, President Kagame secured a landslide victory with 98.8% of the vote. While his leadership has brought relative political stability to Rwanda, critics and human rights groups have raised concerns about restrictions on political freedoms and the suppression of dissent under his government.