Rwanda’s 2024 Election: Who are the candidates running against Kagame?

Rwanda has enjoyed political stability over the years but not without issues. The issues range from centralised political power, non-existent political opposition, weak civil society and limited media freedom. Despite the unforgettable past of the country, they have been able to consolidate their gains over  the past two decades with Paul Kagame clinging to power since 2000. Concerns about his tenure and leadership by some critics in the Central African country did not restrain Kagame from amending the country’s constitution in 2015 through a controversial referendum to allow him exceed his limit of two terms.

Paul Kagame is leading the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF) party into this election as the favourites, with vast resources at their disposal for rallies and campaigns. The RPF can also boast of promoting social welfare, regional integration and stability for the past seven years and many before. The 66-year-old strongly believes that he still has enough strength to continue steering the affairs of the country. After leading the country into its current glory, Kagame is not willing to hand over leadership to the new generation. He is riding on the back of political stability, national integration and reconciliation even though he has been criticized for ruling in a climate of fear. The leader of the RPF won previous elections with over 90% of the general votes casted, highlighting the popular support he commands from the people. Kagame seeks to win the upcoming general election come this July 15th to continue his work for the people of Rwanda and maintain the political stability and peace they have enjoyed over the past two decades.

The Rwandan “strongman-president” has however encountered some strong opponents along the way, all of whom have been disqualified from running in this year’s election.. Diane Rwigara, a vocal critic of President Paul Kagame, has been barred from running in the upcoming election. The 42-year-old leader of the People Salvation Movement (PSM) was also previously blocked from contesting in 2017. The Electoral Commission (EC) cited her failure to provide documentation showing a clean criminal record, citizenship and sufficient nationwide support as reasons for her disqualification.

In a similar development, a Rwandan court in March 2024 rejected Victoire Ingabire's bid to lift a ban on her candidacy in the 2024 elections. Ingabire, a prominent opposition leader, has been barred from running due to her criminal convictions.

There is a general speculation on the credibility of the country’s election with some calling it a sham. Meanwhile, there are two opposing candidates contesting. Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party and Philippe Mapyimana an independent candidate.

Frank Habineza, head of the Democratic Green Party has kicked off his campaign promising the electorate that he will strengthen border security by creating a wall on the border with Congo. He has also promised to promote land ownership by reviewing the land tenure programs in the country. He has further added that he will encourage farming to foster food security in the country. Habineza is not a new name in Rwanda politics; he has been an active politician since 2009 until 2010 when he went into exile. He returned in 2012 after he was able to register his party. The environmentalist and father of 4 is optimistic that the people of Rwanda will give him the nod to manage the affairs of the country come July 15.

Philippe Mapyimana on the other hand is running as an independent candidate. Commonly referred to as the “moto Man” by the people  due to his motorcycle tricks, Mapyimana is coming into this election as a rookie. The former teacher, journalist and author believes he has what it takes to win this year’s election despite his little knowledge of the country's politics. The 47-year-old has made some bold promises to the populace. Notable among them are his vision to transform Rwanda into a state with full democratic rights, where engaging in politics has no dire consequences and fostering unity and integration among the people.

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