Paul Kagame was on Sunday sworn into office for his fourth term as President. Kagame, who won the recent election with 99.18% of the vote, emphasized that regional peace, particularly concerning the ongoing conflict in the DRC, would be his top priority.
In his inauguration speech, Kagame pledged to preserve peace and national unity but acknowledged the challenges in achieving peace, stressing that it requires effective action from the DRC. This comes amid ongoing tensions and allegations of Rwandan military support for M23 rebels in the DRC.
Angolan President João Lourenço, who attended the ceremony, is expected to discuss a recent ceasefire agreement with Kagame. The agreement, facilitated by Angola, has faced complications, including M23 rebels seizing territory on August 4, the intended start date of the ceasefire.
Kagame’s re-election and swearing-in were made possible by a constitutional amendment that could extend his presidency until 2034. His leadership has been marked by significant economic progress in Rwanda, although it has faced criticism for restricting democratic freedoms. Despite this, Kagame continues to enjoy strong support among the Rwandan population
