Rwandan President Paul Kagame will contest in the 2017 elections.
Kagame announced his intentions to seek a third term in 2017, confirming a decision that was widely expected following the approval of constitutional changes that could allow him stay in office for years to come.
“You requested me to lead the country again after 2017. Given the importance and consideration you attach to this, I can only accept,” Kagame said in a televised address to the nation.
“But I don’t think that what we need is an eternal leader,” he said
Kagame has been the predisent of Rwanda since 2000.
Rwanda’s constitution originally limited him to two terms, but in 2015, the country approved changes to the constitution that would effectively allow him to stay in power until 2034 if he wins the elections.
Rights groups acqnowledged that Kagame has broad support for rebuilding the nation but accuse the authorities of stifling the media and opposition voices.
The United States, which has long praised Kagame for transforming the nation since the 1994 genocide, said the president could best serve his nation by stepping down in 2017.
The European Union criticized the speed at which the referendum vote was held, saying it did not give enough time for the public to consider the arguments. The referendum took place about a month after Rwanda’s parliament gave its final approval to the changes.
