Paul Kagame declares bid for fourth term as President in Rwanda

The president of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, has declared his intention to seek reelection in 2024 for a fourth term.

This follows a referendum in 2015 that eliminated term limits, enabling Kagame to rule until 2034 if he wins the following two elections.

Since taking office as Rwanda’s president in 2000, Kagame is credited with guiding the nation’s economic and social change.

Since the 1994 genocide came to an end, Kagame has been considered the nation’s de facto president.

In 2017, he received around 99 percent of the vote to win a third term.

He has, however, also come under fire for his autocratic leadership and violations of human rights.

There have been mixed reactions to Kagame’s intention to seek a fourth term. Some Rwandans back him and believe he is the finest candidate to govern the nation. Others worry about his ongoing leadership and Rwanda’s lack of political freedom.

At 65 years of age, Kagame is easily one of Africa’s longest-serving presidents.