Rwanda’s president Paul Kagame thanked the nation on Monday for voting in a referendum last week of which 98 percent overwhelmingly backed constitutional changes allowing him seek re-election for another seven-year term in 2017, followed by two five-year terms afterwards, if he wishes.
Kagame has been president since 2000 but he has effectively been in control since his rebel force marched into Kigali to end the 1994 genocide. The change would allow him stay until 2034, if he chooses.
“When the time comes to transfer responsibility from one public servant to another, Rwandans already have confidence that it will be done in an orderly and harmonious manner,” Kagame said in a state of the nation address.
“No individual is forever, but there is no term limit on values, institutions, or progress,” he said to an audience of Rwandan officials and others who applauded and cheered. Foreign diplomats also attended
He thanked those who took part in the vote whether they voted “yes” or “no”.”We stand up for these propositions without hesitation and undaunted by reproach. The results are undeniable and the historical context is unforgettable at least to us Rwandans,” he said.
Kagame, 58, had said any decision on re-election would happen after the vote, without giving a specific timeliness.
