Paul Kagame has been officially inaugurated for his fourth term as the President of Rwanda following a commanding 99% victory in last month’s election. The swearing-in ceremony took place at the Amahoro National Stadium in Kigali, with numerous African leaders in attendance among the 45,000-strong crowd.

Kagame’s electoral triumph continues his streak of securing overwhelming majorities, having consistently received at least 93% of the vote in each of the four presidential elections he has contested. The July 15 election saw only two challengers allowed to run against him, raising concerns from rights groups who argue that the election results reflect a broader issue of limited democratic freedoms in Rwanda.

Supporters credit Kagame with bringing stability and progress to Rwanda since the end of the 1994 genocide, which saw the mass killing of approximately 800,000 ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus. His leadership is associated with significant improvements in national security and economic development. Under his rule, Kigali has emerged as one of Africa’s cleanest cities and a hub for international events and partnerships, including hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2022 and featuring concerts by global artists like Kendrick Lamar. Additionally, the city has been linked with the NBA through the African Basketball League.

In his inaugural address, Kagame pledged to uphold national peace, sovereignty, and unity, emphasizing his commitment to avoid using his powers for personal gain. “Should I fail to honour this oath, may I be subjected to the rigours of the law,” Kagame declared, underlining his dedication to governance according to the principles of justice.

Despite these advancements, Kagame’s presidency is also marked by criticism and controversy. He has faced allegations of leading a repressive regime where dissent is often suppressed. Rights organizations highlight the improbability of his electoral success as indicative of democratic deficits in the country.

Additionally, Kagame’s foreign policy has stirred tensions, particularly with neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo. A recent UN report accused Rwandan troops of supporting the M23 rebel group in DR Congo, exacerbating regional disputes. Rwanda’s military interventions in DR Congo have been justified by the government as efforts to target Hutu militias involved in the 1994 genocide.

While Kagame’s tenure has seen Rwanda make strides toward economic and infrastructural development, these advancements are juxtaposed against ongoing concerns about political freedoms and regional stability.