Rwandan President vows to run for fourth term in office

In what appears to a sharp contrast to his earlier remarks, Rwandan President Paul Kagame has hinted to contest for president in the 2024 race amounting to fourth term in office.

In a recent statement to the French-language magazine Jeune Afrique, Rwandan President Paul Kagame confirmed his candidacy for re-election.
When questioned about potential concerns from Western nations regarding his decision to run again, President Kagame responded with confidence, stating, “I’m sorry for the West, but what the West thinks is not my problem. I am happy with the confidence that the Rwandans have in me. I will always serve them, as much as I can.”
This announcement comes after President Kagame had previously made light of the idea of retiring and passing on the reins of power earlier in April, joking about it after serving 23 years in office.
Kagame has been the chairman of Rwanda’s ruling party, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi), since 1998.
Having been in office as the President of Rwanda since the year 2000, Kagame’s tenure has seen significant developments and changes within the country.
In 2015, a controversial referendum eliminated the two-term constitutional limit for presidents, allowing Kagame to run for re-election. He secured a landslide victory in the last election in 2017, garnering an overwhelming 98.8% of the vote.
Kagame’s leadership has been characterized by relative political stability within Rwanda, but it has also faced criticism from both domestic and international quarters.
Critics and human rights organizations have accused his government of curbing political freedoms and stifling dissenting voices.