President Kagame optimistic about Rwanda’s future leadership

From Kigali, Rwanda

President Paul Kagame has expressed confidence that Rwandans will find a capable successor to lead the country, potentially even more effectively than he has.

Addressing local and international journalists on July 13, following the final campaign rally at Gahanga, Kagame conveyed his thoughts on Rwanda’s future leadership and dismissed the notion of grooming his own successor.

As the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) Chairman and flagbearer in the upcoming presidential elections scheduled for July 14 to 16, Kagame began his campaign trail on June 22 in Musanze District. His campaign has consistently attracted large crowds of supporters across various venues.

Throughout his campaign, Kagame emphasised the continuation of Rwanda's development, sustained security, the country's uniqueness derived from its history of self-reliance, and the importance of youth involvement in nation-building.

When questioned about the possibility of Rwanda having a new leader and whether he would groom his successor, Kagame responded, “I can really answer for what we are doing as Rwandans when am here as their leader. What happens when I am gone will happen, I don’t know what it is. But I imagine among these Rwandans, there are people who can lead this country even better than I can or have done.”

Leadership transitions

Kagame highlighted that leadership transitions are a global phenomenon, and Rwanda is no exception. He emphasised that his approach is not to selectively groom a successor but to encourage the youth to understand their responsibilities.

Rwanda's President Paul Kagame of the ruling Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) party attends the first campaign rally ahead of the July Presidential vote at Busogo, Musanze District, Rwanda, June 22, 2024. (Photo: REUTERS/Jean Bizimana)

“I told my party [RPF] that I would not anoint anyone. They have to find someone among many people,” he stated, adding that it is up to Rwandans to identify their next leader.

Reflecting on his tenure, Kagame said he could not predict Rwanda’s future post his leadership but emphasised the collective progress made by Rwandans.

“I don’t think there is Kagame only. There is Kagame and those people you see, we make progress together, Rwandans contribute a lot. I only provide leadership by their choice and I am sure when I am not there, there will be another choice that can lead them better, without ruling out the fact that yes, things may not be as good as they have been but that is life.”

Kagame recounted his initial reluctance to assume the presidency, noting that it was the people's demand that led him to take office.

“I survived many things that would have killed me, like many other people. It wasn’t by plan...even at the beginning of the process, I did not want to be president; those in charge were obliged to select someone else. After that other person messed up, they removed him and came back to me and requested me to become president and I said okay,” he explained. Since then, he has faced continuous queries about his tenure.

“Ever since I accepted, it’s like I committed a crime; some people ask me when I am leaving, but the Rwandans that have elected me here still want me.”