Kagame Inaugurated for Fourth Term

Rwandan President Paul Kagame was inaugurated for a fourth term on Sunday, following a landslide victory in last month’s election, where he secured over 99 percent of the vote. The ceremony took place at the Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali, attended by numerous African dignitaries. Despite the celebration, rights activists have raised concerns about the democratic process, noting that only two candidates were allowed to run against Kagame, with many critics barred from participating. Kagame, who has been in power since 2000, is credited with stabilizing Rwanda after the 1994 genocide, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 800,000 people. However, his administration has faced accusations of repression, including intimidation and arbitrary detentions of dissenters. Critics argue that the overwhelming electoral victory reflects a lack of genuine democratic choice in the country, as Kagame has consistently won elections with over 93 percent of the vote. During the inauguration, Kagame pledged to use his powers responsibly, stating, "Should I fail to honour this oath, may I be subjected to the rigours of the law." His leadership has transformed Rwanda into one of Africa's cleanest cities and a hub for international events, yet tensions remain high, particularly regarding Rwanda's involvement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where Rwandan troops are accused of supporting rebel groups. As Kagame continues to lead a nation where a significant portion of the population has known no other leader, the balance between development and democratic freedoms remains a contentious issue.