After 23 years in power, Rwandan President Paul Kagame has stated that he is looking forward to retiring and handing over power.
Mr. Kagame said at a joint press conference with his Kenyan counterpart, William Ruto, in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, that the ruling party was actively discussing a succession plan, and that his retirement was an “inevitability.”
Mr. Kagame stated that he was not interested in selecting his successor, but rather in creating an environment that would produce leaders.
“We have been discussing this within our [ruling]party since 2010, but circumstances, challenges, and Rwandan history tend to dictate certain things,” he said.
He stated that his retirement would have to be discussed “sooner or later.”
“I’m sure I’ll get into journalism in my old age. I’m excited about that “Mr. Kagame stated.
His remarks come just days after the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi) elected its first female vice-chairperson.
President Kagame retained his chairmanship. He has been the party’s leader since 1998.
This was not Mr. Kagame’s first mention of retirement. He stated in December 2022 that he had no problem becoming a regular senior citizen.
Mr. Kagame has served as the East African country’s president since 2000. A contentious referendum in 2015 repealed the constitutional limit of two terms for presidents.
Last year, the president told a French television channel that he would run for president again in 2024.
