IN a bold move challenging the long-standing rule of President Paul Kagame, Rwandan activist Diane Rwigara declared her candidacy for the presidency in this year’s elections. The announcement, made on Wednesday via social media platform X (formerly Twitter), marked a significant development in Rwanda’s political landscape as the country prepares for presidential and parliamentary polls scheduled for July 15.
‘A new chapter for Rwanda begins now. Together we will make history! Join me as I run for President,’ Rwigara proclaimed, signalling her determination to contest Kagame’s presidency and usher in change.
Rwanda, which has been under the leadership of Kagame since the aftermath of the 1994 genocide, faces a pivotal moment as Rwigara steps forward to challenge the incumbent president. The 42-year-old leader of the People Salvation Movement had previously attempted to run in the 2017 election but was disqualified on grounds of alleged signature forgery on her application.
Despite facing legal hurdles and accusations of inciting insurrection for her criticisms of the government and Kagame, Rwigara has persisted in her pursuit of political activism. Following her arrest and subsequent release on bail in 2018, Rwigara, along with her mother, was acquitted in December of the same year.
Rwigara’s entry into the presidential race adds a new dynamic to Rwanda’s political landscape, given her background as the daughter of Assinapol Rwigara, a former donor to Kagame’s ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) party. Her candidacy underscores the growing demand for political pluralism and accountability within the country.
President Kagame, who has been lauded for Rwanda’s economic transformation post-genocide, faces criticism from human rights advocates for alleged suppression of opposition voices, a charge he vehemently denies. Despite Rwigara’s challenge, Kagame will also contend with opposition candidates Frank Habineza of the Green Party and Philippe Mpayimana, an independent candidate, in the upcoming polls.
Having secured landslide victories in previous elections, Kagame remains the frontrunner for the presidency. However, Rwigara’s entry injects a renewed sense of competition and political engagement, setting the stage for a potentially transformative electoral process in Rwanda.
