Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has announced his candidacy for a fourth term in the upcoming presidential elections set for August next year.
In an interview with Jeune Afrique, a French-language news magazine, Kagame, who has been in power for many years, confirmed his intention to run, AFP report.
“Yes, I am indeed a candidate,” he said.
He expressed gratitude for the confidence Rwandans have placed in him, stating, “I will always serve them, as long as I can.”
Kagame’s political journey began in 1994 when he led Tutsi-led rebel forces to capture Kigali, ending a genocide that claimed the lives of around 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus.
He assumed the presidency in 2000 after serving as the de facto leader under President Pasteur Bizimungu.
In the 2017 election, Kagame secured a victory with 98.8% of the vote, following a controversial referendum that eliminated the constitutional two-term limit for presidents.
Though, Rwanda is often cited as one of the more stable countries in Africa, human rights organizations accuse Kagame of governing with a heavy hand, suppressing dissent and curtailing freedom of speech.