Rwanda's President Paul Kagame has officially announced his candidacy for a fourth term in the upcoming elections, despite Western criticism regarding his extended tenure in office. Kagame, who has led Rwanda since 2000, made this declaration during an interview with the French-language publication Jeune Afrique, published on Tuesday.
The 65-year-old leader achieved victory in the previous election in 2017 with an overwhelming 98% of the vote, and he has effectively governed Rwanda since the aftermath of the 1994 genocide. Next year's election will be significant as it will mark the first time that individuals born during Kagame's presidency, who have never experienced any other leader, will be eligible to cast their votes.
Kagame is among a group of African leaders who have extended their rule by amending term limits. In a 2015 referendum, Rwandans voted to abolish the two-term limit, potentially enabling Kagame to remain in power until 2034 if he secures another five-year term next year.
When asked about Western perceptions of his re-election bid, Kagame responded by saying, "I'm sorry for the West, but what the West thinks is not my problem."
Earlier this year, Kagame was re-elected as the chair of the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front party for another five-year term. Freedom House, a US-based watchdog, labeled Rwanda as "not free" in its latest report, highlighting the party's suppression of opposition groups challenging its leadership.
Gonzaga Muganwa, a political analyst and former executive secretary of the Rwanda Journalists Association, emphasized Kagame's absolute control over the party, asserting that "all legal political parties in the country are subservient to his authority."
Many Rwandans anticipate Kagame's continued leadership until at least 2034, barring significant upheaval. Rising living costs and food inflation pose significant challenges ahead of the polls due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
While Kagame's government has earned acclaim for stabilizing the nation and fostering public health and economic development since the genocide, human rights groups and critics have long accused it of harshly targeting opponents, even beyond Rwanda's borders, with extrajudicial killings.
Kagame's announcement coincides with lawmaker Frank Habineza from the Green Democratic party declaring his intention to run for president next year. In the 2017 election, Habineza secured only 0.45% of the vote. He stated that his party was not surprised by Kagame's decision and pledged to continue advocating for democracy.
"Some Kagame supporters believe he needs more time in office," said William Harerimana, a 53-year-old businessman. "We need to be patient a bit more, and under him, the country will register more economic growth and benefit all Rwandans."
