Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has been officially inaugurated for a fourth term following the July 15 elections.
At 66, Kagame secured his position with the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) after defeating his challengers: Frank Habinenza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and independent candidate Philipe Mbayimana.
The swearing-in ceremony took place just before 4 p.m. on Sunday at Kigali’s state-of-the-art Amahoro Stadium.
The event was attended by Rwandans and international dignitaries, with Chief Justice Faustin Ntezilyayo presiding over the proceedings.
Notable guests included President William Ruto of Kenya, alongside other African leaders such as Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu, and South Sudan’s Salva Kiir Mayardit.
Uganda’s Deputy President Jessica Alupo represented President Yoweri Museveni.
The inauguration featured a presentation of Rwanda’s Constitution, flag, and coat of arms, followed by a 21-gun salute and a rendition of the national anthem.
The ceremony also included a military parade and traditional dances.
Kagame, who has led Rwanda since 2000, will now govern for the next five years.
His leadership has been both praised and criticized internationally. Supporters highlight his role in rebuilding Rwanda after the 1994 genocide, which claimed 800,000 lives.
Critics, however, have raised concerns about his involvement in the ongoing conflict in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and allegations of supporting the M23 rebel group.
Kigali has vehemently denied these accusations, calling them “baseless.”
The Rwandan government has also demanded the demobilization and repatriation of the Democratic FDLR rebel group, which it accuses the DRC of backing.
This demand follows international calls for Rwanda to withdraw its troops from DRC and address safety concerns related to civilian and commercial air traffic.
Despite international pressure, Kagame has maintained his stance, stating that DRC support for the FDLR is a matter of state policy that threatens Rwanda’s territorial integrity and national unity.
Rwanda insists on its right to take necessary measures to ensure its security.
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