Rwanda is a strategic ally, says Museveni
By our reporter
KAMPALA – Uganda President Yowweri Museveni and Kenya’ Willliam Ruto have congratulated his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame for winning the elections. Museveni described Rwanda as a strategic ally.
Paul Kagame is set for a fourth term as electoral authorities declare him the winner of the Rwanda presidential election after garnering 99.15 per cent of the votes.
“Your Excellency, Paul Kagame, I wish to congratulate you and the RPF party on the victory in Rwanda’s national elections. Your re-election is a testament to the trust and confidence the people of Rwanda have in your leadership. Uganda recognizes Rwanda as a strategic ally with a shared vision of peace and prosperity. I look forward to collaborating with you for the benefit of our nations and the East African Community,” President Museveni posted on his X handle.
On the same platform, Rutto said, “On behalf of the people and Government of Kenya, I have the pleasure to convey warmest congratulations upon your re-election to serve a further term as President of the Republic of Rwanda. We celebrate with you the sovereign choice of the people of Rwanda and wish you success as you continue steering your country in the path of peace, stability, and posterity. I look forward to continuing working with you in regional and Pan-African affairs in strengthening the bonds of solidarity and fraternity between the peoples of Kenya and Rwanda.”
Kagame has won more than 93% of the vote at each of the three previous elections. Eight candidates had applied to run against him, but only two were retained in the final list validated by the electoral commission.
The others, including Kagame’s most vocal critics, were barred for various reasons that included prior criminal convictions.
At the Rwandexco polling centre in the capital Kigali people started queueing 90 minutes before polls opened.
Voter Barimukije Pheneas said he had chosen to re-elect Kagame, who is praised for rebuilding the country in the aftermath of the 1994 genocide by prioritising development and putting in place effective social services.
“We voted smoothly without any crowding, and we are happy,” Pheneas said. “I voted for Paul Kagame because he has achieved a lot for us; he united us.”
Kagame’ win however comes at a challenging time Rwanda and Uganda being accused by the United Nations report says the Ugandan army supported the rebels while some 3,000-4,000 Rwandan soldiers fought alongside them in the eastern DRC, a claims the two countries refute.
According to United Nations report the Ugandan army has provided support to the M23 rebel group operating in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), says a United Nations report as clashes escalate in the mineral-rich region.
The UN Security Council’s group of experts on also said some 3,000-4,000 Rwandan soldiers fought alongside M23 rebels in eastern DRC and that Kigali had “de facto control” of the group’s operations.
