President Paul Kagame has been elected as the flag-bearer for the Rwanda Patriotic Front, RPF-Inkotanyi, in the upcoming 2024 presidential elections.
The election was made during an extraordinary congress held at the RPF-Inkotanyi headquarters in Rusororo, Kigali, attended by over 2,000 party cadres on Saturday, March 9. President Kagame won by 99.1%.
Paul Kagame, who is also Chairman of RPF-Inkotanyi, agreed to carry the RPF’s flag but urged the political party to look around for his successor.
“I have accepted to carry the burden you have given me to carry. But I have also told you, and I want to repeat it again, I want somebody to relieve me of this responsibility,” the RPF Chairman said.
President Paul Kagame asked members not to sit and wait for him to give them someone; they must come up with that person themselves because this is what he asked of them in 2010 and again in 2017.
“Please don’t sit and wait for me to give you someone. You must come up with that person yourself. This is what I asked in 2010 and again in 2017. The only reason I reluctantly accept to continue with this responsibility is the specific context of our country,” President Kagame said.
He added that the burden of responsibility to lead our country can be equated to a shock absorber against the challenges we face daily. It requires the right mindset. I accept this burden of responsibility, but with a call to get someone to relieve me of this responsibility. That someone can only come from amongst you.
During the congress, the ruling party reviewed the implementation of its 2017-2024 manifesto and adopted a new five-year plan for its candidates.
RPF’s Secretary General, Wellars Gasamagera, highlighted the party’s achievements in economic development, social welfare, and infrastructure despite challenges like the Covid-19 pandemic.
Gasamagera outlined improvements in economic growth, infrastructure, education, and healthcare, emphasizing the party’s commitment to the national Vision 2050 for sustainable development. He also mentioned plans to focus on green transportation, AI-driven economic growth, and education quality.
“In the next five years, we shall build on what we have achieved so far towards our national Vision 2050 that aims at achieving sustainable development and better quality of life for every Rwandan,” Secretary General Gasamagera said.
He added that the RPF leadership will also put much emphasis on the continued improvement of road and air transportation with a focus on green transport. Other areas of priority include leveraging AI for economic growth and boosting the quality of education.