President Paul Kagame Energizes Supporters at Rally in Kigali, July 12, 2024.Photo courtesy
Rwanda's President Paul Kagame is receiving an outpouring of congratulations from fellow African leaders following his overwhelming victory in the recent general election. Among the first to extend their goodwill were Presidents William Ruto of Kenya, Samia Suluhu Hassan of Tanzania, Filipe Nyusi of Mozambique, and Umaro Sissoco Embaló of Guinea Bissau. Kagame secured over 99 percent of the votes, as reported by the National Electoral Commission.
President Ruto expressed his warmest congratulations, emphasizing Kenya's commitment to working closely with Rwanda in promoting peace and regional solidarity. He remarked, “We celebrate with you the sovereign choice of the people of Rwanda and wish you success as you continue steering your country in the path of peace, stability, and posterity.” Similarly, President Samia highlighted the importance of fostering relations between Tanzania and Rwanda, aiming for greater unity in East Africa. Her message underscored a desire to collaborate in pursuing regional prosperity and cooperation.
President Nyusi extended best wishes to Kagame and the Rwandan people for their new mandate, commending the ruling party for its resounding support. He stated, “Our best wishes for success as you assume the new mandate in the position overwhelmingly entrusted to you by the people of Rwanda.” President Embaló celebrated Kagame's decisive re-election, wishing for a future filled with peace and progress, reinforcing the regional sentiment of support.
By Tuesday, the NEC reported counting 96.6 percent of the votes, totaling 8,761,453 out of 9,071,157. The ruling coalition, RPF-Inkotanyi, secured 62.67 percent of the seats in the Chamber of Deputies, reflecting strong backing from the electorate.
As the tallying continues, the NEC is set to announce provisional results by July 20 and final results by July 27. Notably, Kagame's opponents, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana, have already conceded, acknowledging the clear mandate given to Kagame by the Rwandan populace.
Kagame’s leadership has been marked by significant economic growth and development, transforming Rwanda into one of Africa's most stable nations. His focus on innovation and infrastructure has attracted foreign investment, turning the capital, Kigali, into a bustling hub. Under his rule, Rwanda has made remarkable strides in healthcare, education, and technology, positioning itself as a model for development in the region.
Kagame's government has emphasized gender equality, with a notable representation of women in parliament, showcasing a commitment to inclusive governance. The international community often highlights Rwanda as a case study for post-conflict recovery, applauding its ability to foster unity and reconciliation in the wake of the 1994 genocide.
However, Kagame's rule has also faced criticism for human rights abuses and suppression of dissent, raising concerns in the international community about the state of democracy in Rwanda. Various human rights organizations have pointed to issues such as the repression of political opposition and media freedom. Critics argue that while Rwanda has made significant progress, these democratic deficits need to be addressed to ensure a truly representative government.
As he embarks on his fourth term, Kagame is determined to focus on Rwanda's development. “The elections are behind us; what remains is developing Rwanda,” he stated to supporters at the RPF headquarters in Kigali. This commitment signals his intent to continue driving the nation’s progress while navigating the complex dynamics of regional and international relations.
In addition to economic growth, Kagame’s administration has prioritized environmental sustainability and technological advancement. Initiatives such as the “Green Growth and Climate Resilience Strategy” aim to position Rwanda as a leader in sustainability in Africa. Furthermore, Kagame has championed the use of technology in governance, aiming to enhance service delivery and citizen engagement.
Kagame’s balancing act of promoting stability while addressing criticisms will be pivotal in shaping Rwanda's future. His ability to maintain a delicate equilibrium between economic ambition and social stability will determine whether Rwanda can sustain its trajectory of growth and development in the years to come. As Kagame looks forward to this new term, his leadership will undoubtedly continue to draw attention, both within Africa and on the global stage, as he seeks to define the next chapter in Rwanda's story.
