On Sunday, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame was sworn in for a fourth term following his July win that saw him rack up over 99% of the vote. The inauguration ceremony took place in a packed 45,000-seat stadium in Kigali, with several African leaders in attendance. Kagame took the oath of office, pledging to preserve peace and national unity. According to rights activists, Kagame’s overwhelming victory is proof of Rwanda’s lack of democracy, especially since only two of the eight applicants were allowed to contest. Kagame, who has ruled Rwanda since the 1994 genocide, is credited with rebuilding the nation but is also accused of violently suppressing dissent. Despite the criticisms, his leadership remains highly influential, especially among the youth, who see him as a transformative figure for Rwanda.
SOURCE: VOA NEWS