President Paul Kagame has once again secured his position at the helm of Rwanda, following a decisive victory in the recent elections. This marks another term for Kagame, who has been a central figure in Rwandan politics since the 1994 genocide. The election, characterized by a subdued campaign and a weak opposition, reinforces his continued dominance.

On Monday, 9.7 million eligible Rwandans cast their votes for both the presidency and the parliament, shaping the nation’s leadership for the next five years. Kagame’s Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) coalition faced minimal competition from two opposition candidates who struggled to gain traction.

Paul Kagame, 66, has led Rwanda for three decades, first coming to power as the leader of the Rwandan Patriotic Forces that ended the genocide. His tenure has been marked by significant economic growth and stability, but also by accusations of autocracy, suppression of dissent, and unfair electoral practices. A 2015 referendum lifted term limits, enabling Kagame to potentially remain in power until 2034.

The opposition, represented by Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party and Philippe Mpayimana, a former journalist, posed little challenge to Kagame. Both candidates received minimal support in the previous elections and faced significant hurdles in their campaigns, underscoring the dominance of Kagame’s RPF.

The election took place amid escalating tensions with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), which accuses Rwanda of supporting the M23 rebel group—a claim Kigali denies. Domestically, the government deals
with economic challenges, such as high youth unemployment and rising living costs, exacerbated by global events like the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Kagame’s administration has been credited with impressive economic growth, averaging about 7 percent annually over the past two decades. Despite these gains, poverty remains widespread, particularly in rural areas. The government faces the challenge of maintaining economic growth while addressing the rising cost of living and ensuring food security.

The three-day voting process saw Rwandans in the diaspora casting their ballots on Sunday, followed by the main presidential and legislative votes on Monday. The election included quota-based seats for women, youth, and the disabled, reflecting Rwanda’s commitment to gender equality.

With his overwhelming victory, Kagame is set to continue his leadership, focusing on sustaining economic progress and addressing the needs of a new generation seeking better living standards and opportunities. The trust Rwandans have placed in Kagame reiterates his enduring influence and the complex political landscape of Rwanda.

Kagame’s latest victory reaffirms his stronghold on Rwandan politics, highlighting both the progress made under his leadership and the ongoing challenges. As Rwanda moves forward, Kagame’s ability to navigate economic and social issues will be crucial in maintaining stability and growth.