Author: admin

Addressing journalists on Saturday, July 13 2024 after his last campaign rally, the RPF Inkotanyi presidential candidate noted that his administration has efficiently used every penny of the country’s limited resources towards development in all sectors, including education, health, infrastructure, and agriculture.

'We have made progress because we have concentrated on the real issues that matter to the people—that is, the people themselves. We have concentrated on what matters to them and what improves their lives. We have deployed every penny of our limited resources to just do that, whether it is in the area of education, health, infrastructure, or agriculture. There is self-food sufficiency,' President Kagame stated.

He emphasized that his administration had put in place elaborate mechanisms to prevent the wastage and theft of public funds, unlike many other countries where corruption is rampant.

'In many places, it (money) is stolen from the treasury; by the time it is supposed to be used, maybe half of it is pocketed by some individuals. So it gets lost through various means.

'We make sure we fight corruption alongside everything else we are doing. And we are committed to doing it, and we are not apologetic about ensuring that we hold ourselves accountable. That is important.'

He pledged to continue the RPF administration’s development agenda if re-elected in the Monday polls by prioritising the security and economic stability of the country.

During the last day of the campaign, the RPF flag bearer implored the electorate to strive with a singular mission to continue the country’s development agenda without being distracted by naysayers.

'I encourage and assure you that you shall be what you want to be, not how others want you to be. Ignore their ill-fated words because they don’t kill. Poverty kills, insecurity kills, ignorance kills but words don’t kill,' he said.

'As the government, we have made the right priorities by concentrating on what matters most to the people. Your large numbers here today are testimony to this. I have seen throughout the campaigns that you are a people living for a purpose,' he added.

The Head of State had back in April indicated that Rwanda will be five times better if the current momentum of social and economic development is maintained.

President Kagame said that the country had defied the odds to record tremendous growth over the last 30 years, when the country was derailed by the Genocide against the Tutsi.

'In the next 30 years we will continue making progress and be where others are even though some of them take it for granted. We see developed countries, why can’t Rwanda or Africa develop to that level or even beyond,' Kagame reasoned.

He highlighted that with the right politics in the country and the region, Rwanda will be far much better than its current state.

“The Rwanda of the next 30 years should maybe be three, four, or five times better than what you are seeing now. The next three decades should bring even more development because we are not coming from the grave; this time we are coming from some level of progress,” he added.

RPF Inkotanyi presidential candidate Paul Kagame noted that his administration has efficiently used every penny of the country’s limited resources towards development in all sectors, including education, health, infrastructure, and agriculture.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

I had the opportunity to follow the campaigns of the candidates during the 22-day campaign period gazetted by the National Electoral Commission (NEC), and the rallies were starkly different from my experiences back home in Kenya, the region, and beyond.

Since the campaigns started, I did not see a single billboard or poster painted on walls and buildings in my neighbourhood or the city appealing for votes. But this did not make the campaigns any less colourful, vibrant, or exhilarating.

The candidates and individual parties invested heavily in branding to stand out among the crowded field through merchandise like T-shirts, hoodies, caps, and handheld flyers and portraits.

RPF Inkotanyi presidential candidate Paul Kagame campaigns in Kicukiro District.

Rallies were not theatres for bitter exchanges between rival camps as the politicians campaigned with decorum.

Unlike what we are used to in other countries, where politicians make emotional appeals for votes, campaigns for the RPF Inkotanyi presidential flag bearer Paul Kagame, who is seeking re-election in the July 15 polls, were different.

The colourful rallies were more like celebrations, dominated by songs and dances with the president focusing more on telling the people about the country’s history and how to jealously guard the gains made over the last 30 years, when the country was derailed by the Genocide against the Tutsi.

Kagame’s challengers, Democratic Green Party candidate Frank Habineza and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana, were equally tolerant and focused their campaigns on selling their manifesto to the electorate rather than demonizing their opponents.

Democratic Green Party of Rwanda chairman and presidential candidate, Frank Habineza, arrives at the Kigabiro campaign site in Rwamagana District on July 13, 2024.

Political hostility, characterized by intense antagonism, animosity, or aggression between rival individuals, groups, or parties during campaigns in neighbouring countries and even in the ongoing US election campaigns, has not been experienced in Rwanda.

Candidates had the opportunity to peacefully promote their political ideologies in different parts of the country without being booed or forced to cut short their speeches on what is perceived as strongholds of their political rivals.

PSD Party Secretary General Jean Chrysostome Ngabitsinze at a past rally. PSD is among eight parties in a coalition with President Paul Kagame’s RPF.

Cases of barbaric acts such as chaos, sponsored or not, which are common elsewhere, were not reported during the campaign period. This deserves applause from all of us who value democracy in the region.

The violence, witnessed during the electioneering period have in the past claimed many lives in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Burundi, and several other countries in our continent.

Fifty-four people were killed in violent protests in Uganda in November 2020, just two months before the elections. Some of the victims were among a group of protesters condemning the arrest of opposition politician Robert Kyagulanyi, alias Bobi Wine, as he prepared to hold a campaign rally in Luuka, Eastern Uganda. During the confrontation, police opened fire on the protesters, and dozens of other innocent bystanders were killed by stray bullets.

In Kenya, hundreds of deaths have also been reported in past elections, with some linked to violent confrontations between rival camps.

Except for 2002, all general elections in Kenya since the country returned to multi-party politics three decades ago have been marred by violence. At least 1,500 people lost their lives during the 2007-2008 Post-election Violence.

However, the 2022 general election was much more peaceful, except for pockets of violence reported after the announcement of the presidential election results.

In Burundi, widespread violence were also reported ahead of the 2020 general election with the main National Congress for Liberty accusing the government of arbitrary arrests of more than 600 of its members.

While the causes of the violence remain debatable, there is a growing consensus that no one deserves to lose their lives during elections in the continent as human life is sacrosanct.

In Rwanda, the peace and tranquillity experienced during the campaign period are attributed to a unique governance architecture based on the country’s painful history.

This unique context, which takes into consideration the ethnic animosity that led to the killing of more than a million people by the extremist Hutu-led government, has demystified the heated and aggressive campaigns experienced in many other democracies.

Unlike what we are used to in other countries, where politicians make emotional appeals for votes, campaigns for the RPF Inkotanyi presidential flag bearer Paul Kagame, who is seeking re-election in the July 15 polls, were different.

Liberal Party supporters during a rally in Bugesera District. The party is among eight others that have endorsed RPF Inkotanyi flag bearer Paul Kagame for president.

Wycliffe Nyamasege

The campaigns have showcased several unique and notable characteristics that reflect the country’s political culture, democratic maturity, and commitment to development.

Overall, this season has provided a platform of diverse voices and visions for Rwanda’s future, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and participatory governance.

Now that the campaign season has come to an end, the focus has shifted to ensuring a peaceful and transparent election, setting the stage for Rwanda’s next chapter in governance and development.

As Rwandans look forward to a decisive election that will shape the trajectory of the nation, some key aspects and events have stood out.

There has been diverse political participation by various political parties, including the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi), Democratic Green Party of Rwanda (DGPR), Social Democratic Party (PSD), and Liberal Party (PL) where each of them presented distinct platforms and visions for Rwanda’s future.

Generally, the campaigns heavily emphasized ongoing and planned infrastructure projects, such as road construction, energy provision, and technological advancements. Candidates highlighted their commitment to continuing Rwanda’s rapid development trajectory.

On the last day, Paul Kagame, the RPF-Inkotanyi flag bearer implored the electorate to strive with a singular mission to mainly continue the country’s development agenda without getting bothered by what other people say.

'I encourage and assure you that you shall be what you want to be, not how others want you to be. Ignore their ill-fated words because they don’t kill. Poverty kills, insecurity kills, ignorance kills but words don’t kill,' he said.

'As the government, we have made the right priorities by concentrating on what matters most to the people. Your large numbers here today are testimony to this. I have seen throughout the campaigns that you are a people living for a purpose,' he added.

RPF, known for its significant role in ending the Genocide against the Tutsi in 1994, held its last campaign rally at Gahanga in Kicukiro district.

The Democratic Green Party of Rwanda is the main opposition party.

Throughout the campaign, its flag bearer and presidential hopeful Dr Frank Habineza, focused on promoting environmental sustainability, social justice, and several other political reforms

The Social Democratic Party (PSD) and Liberal Party (PL) joined six other parties to form a coalition and support the RPF candidate for the position of President.

However, in a bid to vie for parliamentary positions, both parties campaigned on platforms of economic growth, social equity, and enhanced democratic practices.

On July 13, 2024, when the official campaigns ended, Dr Vincent Biruta, the leader of PSD said that the decision to support RPF was taken after consultative discussions with the electorate.

'Our position to support RPF was informed by Rwandans who have shown us that they love their president, we also have to accept and support their choice. We are confident that we shall win together,' he said.

On the last day, Paul Kagame, the RPF-Inkotanyi flag bearer implored the electorate to strive with a singular mission to mainly continue the country’s development agenda without getting bothered by what other people say.

Sam K Nkurunziza

During a campaign rally that concluded at the Gahanga site in Kicukiro District on July 13, 2024, Kagame told Rwandans that the achievements of the past 30 years were the result of collective efforts.

The rally was attended by thousands, mostly members of RPF Inkotanyi. Kagame highlighted that the high turnout at various campaign sites was a sign of Rwanda’s resilience and recovery.

He said, “I am very grateful for how many of you came, but it’s not just the numbers; it’s a sign of numerous and significant achievements. Therefore, the 30-year journey we’ve traveled, and where we stand now, is truly a testament to Rwanda’s recovery, becoming a Rwanda for all Rwandans, united as one. To put it in a Rwandan proverb, what was once a trickle has become an ocean. The rest is a political achievement.”

The RPF Inkotanyi candidate addressed foreigners from some countries who do not understand the high participation of Rwandans in such events. He said that if they truly knew Rwanda, they would not criticize its democracy.

“That is why many do not understand, especially those outside, who are not Rwandans, when they speak of Rwanda. If you don’t know Rwanda, I can’t blame you. But if you want to talk about Rwanda, you should know it. In the past, Rwandans were united, not without differences, but when it came to being Rwandan, they were one. For many years, we were not united, but now we are one again.”

Kagame explained that the turnout in the campaign activities symbolized the unity of Rwandans, a collective goal to build their country without leaving anyone behind. This is further reinforced by the eight political parties that joined RFP in supporting a single presidential candidate.

To foreigners who don’t understand, Kagame explained that many come from countries with only two political parties that alternate in power but expect Africa to have countless parties.

“Where all this comes from, they deceive us. Because there are countries with two parties that alternate in power, one staying in power for a long time until the other replaces it. But when it comes to Africa, to Rwanda, they tell us that there should be many parties without limit, while they have only two that alternate, sometimes combining into one with a common goal of harming other countries, often acting maliciously, not benevolently.”

He explained that the RPF Inkotanyi’s broad support from Rwandans reflects their choice to live according to their own will, following a history of hardship before the past 30 years, and that no one else should determine their way of life.

“The reason for this achievement is finding our solutions as Rwandans, reaching this point, making people feel that we have become what they did not want. But in this world, although it’s common, Rwanda chose to be as we want, not as someone else would dictate. This is not just my understanding, it’s not just RPF that understands this. It’s all of you, all of us, even those not in RPF.”

“When they see you go to 17-18 places, each with no fewer than 200,000 people, reaching up to 500,000 or more like today, this cannot be fabricated unity, fabricated joy, fabricated numbers, unless you’re insane. But even if such fabrication exists, I always tell them, they tried and failed to get people!”

The RPF Inkotanyi candidate highlighted that Rwanda’s development over the past 30 years is evident and cannot be fabricated, nor would it serve any purpose to do so. “What others say about us, don’t let it distract you. It doesn’t kill, poverty kills, insecurity kills, bad politics kills. But bad-mouthing doesn’t kill. Instead, those involved in bad-mouthing us are the ones killed by sadness. What can I say! Moreover, those people are very few, they are ignorant. What they don’t know, what they should know, is that for the past 30 years until today, the more they do these things to us, the stronger we become!”

Rwandans living abroad will vote on July 14, 2024. Those in Rwanda will vote on July 15, starting at 7 AM until 3 PM, as disclosed by the National Electoral Commission.

During a campaign rally that concluded at the Gahanga site in Kicukiro District on July 13, 2024, Kagame told Rwandans that the achievements of the past 30 years were the result of everyone’s efforts.

The rally in Kicukiro was attended by thousands, mostly members of RPF Inkotanyi.

IGIHE