In an official statement released on Saturday, the RPF Chairman and incumbent President Kagame was affirmed as the party’s flag-bearer for the impending electoral contest.
Addressing party members at the RPF headquarters, President Kagame acknowledged the nomination but underscored the necessity for the party to groom a successor.
“I accept this burden of responsibility, but with a call to get someone to relieve me of this responsibility,” emphasized Kagame, highlighting the imperative for internal succession planning.
President Kagame’s eligibility for another term stems from a constitutional amendment in 2015, extending his potential tenure for an additional decade, bypassing previous term limits.
Asserting the need for proactive succession planning within the party ranks, Kagame urged party members not to wait for his directive but to proactively identify and nurture potential successors.
Critics have highlighted concerns over civil liberties and political opposition under Kagame’s tenure, although he has been lauded for Rwanda’s remarkable post-genocide reconstruction.
Responding to criticism and upcoming electoral challenges, Kagame asserted, “The burden of responsibility to lead our country can be equated to a shock absorber against the challenges we face daily; it requires the right mindset.”
The Green Party’s Frank Habineza, Kagame’s sole known contender, expressed confidence in mounting a robust challenge, emphasizing organizational improvements since the 2017 elections.
Emphasizing the unique context of Rwanda’s history and culture, Kagame stressed the importance of reflective democratic processes aligned with the nation’s distinctive circumstances.
With a resounding victory in the 2017 elections, securing 98.63 percent of the vote, Kagame reiterated the necessity for the RPF to cultivate potential leaders to safeguard and advance Rwanda’s progress.
As Rwanda gears up for another electoral chapter, President Kagame’s candidacy signals continuity within the RPF while igniting conversations about the future leadership trajectory of the nation.