Rwandan President Paul Kagame, a former darling of the west who marshaled a conclusion of a genocide in 1994 when his rebel movement ended ...
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Rwandan President Paul Kagame, a former darling of the west who marshaled a conclusion of a genocide in 1994 when his rebel movement ended a terror by Hutu extremists in which an estimated 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed has come under criticism by US for seeking an extension to his rule.
Kagame is widely credited with bringing stability and economic growth to Rwanda but is criticised as an authoritarian ruler has hit back at the United States for trying to embargo his move to seek a third term in office, repeating his earlier stand that foreigners shouldn't determine the destiny of Rwandans.
His stance is in accord with more than 98 percent of Rwandans voted in a December 18 referendum to lift term limits and allow Kagame extend his time in power, possibly until 2034. This move will guarantee his rise to power and elevate him among other long-serving presidents in the world.
The U.S. is "deeply disappointed" by Kagame's decision to run for re-election in 2017, a State Department spokesman said on Saturday.
"With this decision, President Kagame ignores an historic opportunity to reinforce and solidify the democratic institutions the Rwandan people have for more than 20 years labored so hard to establish," State Department spokesman John Kirby said in a statement.
Responding Monday on Twitter, Kagame said he is not concerned that the U.S. government is disappointed.
The U.S. is "deeply disappointed" by Kagame's decision to run for re-election in 2017, a State Department spokesman said on Saturday.
"With this decision, President Kagame ignores an historic opportunity to reinforce and solidify the democratic institutions the Rwandan people have for more than 20 years labored so hard to establish," State Department spokesman John Kirby said in a statement.
Responding Monday on Twitter, Kagame said he is not concerned that the U.S. government is disappointed.
"Africa's problems: poverty, disease, governance, technology . etc, etc will not easily be solved by what is behind this (deeply disappointed) attitude. There are quite many very disappointing things happening across the globe we hope to carry our own burden and not be others' burden."
The United States has been a key ally of Rwanda. In neighboring Burundi, chaos erupted after the incumbent sought an extended term that was however turned down.
Kagame thinks otherwise. In his New Year's message to Rwandans he said.
Kagame thinks otherwise. In his New Year's message to Rwandans he said.
"You clearly expressed your choices for the future of our country (in the referendum) ... You requested me to lead the country again after 2017. Given the importance and consideration you attach to this, I can only accept."
Kagame 58, has been Rwanda's effective leader since 1994 when his rebel movement ended a genocide by Hutu extremists in which an estimated 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed.
Kagame 58, has been Rwanda's effective leader since 1994 when his rebel movement ended a genocide by Hutu extremists in which an estimated 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus were killed.
He is widely credited with bringing stability and economic growth to Rwanda but is criticized as an authoritarian ruler who is criticized for human rights abuses. - tinzwei.com/african leadership magazine
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