Rwanda: Kagame secures 4th term, pledges commitment to regional peace

Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame was officially sworn in for a fourth term on Sunday, emphasizing the importance of regional peace, particularly in light of the ongoing conflicts in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Kagame’s inauguration took place in a vibrant ceremony at a packed 45,000-seat stadium in Kigali, attended by numerous heads of state and dignitaries from across Africa, many adorned in the national colors of green, yellow, and blue.

The recent presidential election, held on July 15, resulted in a staggering 99.18 percent victory for Kagame, extending his rule for another five years. His tenure, which began following the 1994 genocide, has been marked by significant economic development and stability, yet it is also shadowed by accusations of authoritarianism and repression of dissent.

Critics have pointed to the oppressive nature of Kagame’s regime, noting that only two candidates were allowed to contest against him in the recent election, while several prominent opposition figures were barred from participating. Human rights activists have raised alarms about the climate of fear in Rwanda, citing instances of intimidation, arbitrary detention, and enforced disappearances.

In his inauguration speech, Kagame highlighted the pressing need for peace in the region, particularly in the eastern DRC, where ongoing violence has raised concerns.

“Peace in our region is a priority for Rwanda yet it has been lacking, particularly in eastern DRC,” he stated, emphasizing that true peace cannot be imposed by external forces if the involved parties do not take necessary actions. This comment was interpreted as a subtle critique of the DRC’s government.

Kagame’s administration has faced allegations of supporting the M23 rebel group, which has been engaged in conflict with the DRC government. A recent UN report suggested that thousands of Rwandan soldiers are actively involved alongside M23 forces, a claim Kagame has neither confirmed nor denied, instead citing concerns over the persecution of Tutsi minorities and the potential for instability at Rwanda’s borders.

Amid these tensions, Angola’s President Joao Lourenco attended the inauguration, set to hold private discussions with Kagame regarding a ceasefire agreement brokered last month between the DRC and Rwanda. However, the fragile peace remains at risk, as M23 rebels captured a strategic town on the Ugandan border shortly after the ceasefire was expected to take effect.

Despite the controversies surrounding his administration, many Rwandans, particularly the youth who have known only Kagame’s leadership, express admiration for his governance. Tania Iriza, a 27-year-old trader who attended the inauguration, remarked, “His leadership has been transformative for our nation. Under his leadership, Rwanda has risen from our tragic past and forged a path towards prosperity, unity, and innovation.”

Kagame’s electoral victories have consistently exceeded 93 percent, and in 2015, he oversaw constitutional amendments that reset the presidential term limits, allowing him the possibility to rule until 2034. As Kagame embarks on another term, the eyes of both supporters and critics remain fixed on his leadership and the future of Rwanda and its role in regional stability.