Rwanda’s long-serving leader Paul Kagame is expected to secure a fourth term in the country’s latest parliamentary and presidential elections. Despite Rwanda’s achievements under Kagame’s leadership, including economic growth, improved healthcare, and enhanced security, critics argue that these successes come at the cost of democratic freedoms and human rights. Opposition voices have been silenced, with several critics facing imprisonment, and Rwanda’s press freedom ranking is alarmingly low. The election is anticipated to reaffirm Kagame’s position, despite allegations of stifling opposition and manipulating electoral processes.
- Vote counting has begun in Rwanda’s parliamentary and presidential elections, with Paul Kagame expected to win a fourth term.
- Rwanda has seen significant development under Kagame, including economic growth, reduced maternal mortality, and improved healthcare.
- Critics argue that despite these advancements, a large portion of Rwandans live below the poverty line, and development should include education and addressing malnutrition.
- Opposition leader Victoire Ingabire has been a vocal critic of Kagame, resulting in her imprisonment for challenging the official narrative of the 1994 genocide.
- Rwanda’s human rights record is under scrutiny, with allegations of enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, extrajudicial killings, and torture.
- The government denies allegations of human rights abuses, asserting Rwanda is a country of rule of law that values life.
- Rwanda ranks 144 out of 180 in the World Press Freedom Index, with several journalists and opposition members imprisoned or awaiting trial.
- Kagame is credited with bringing peace and development post-genocide but is equally criticized for stifling dissent and eliminating opposition.
- Eight candidates initially expressed interest in running against Kagame, but six were disqualified by the national electoral commission on controversial grounds.
- Rwanda is rated as “not free” in the latest Freedom in the World report, with concerns over lack of judicial independence and media freedom.
- Several journalists and critics have been detained or killed, accused of not aligning with the government’s narrative.
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