Rwanda president to seek a third term but rules out being an ‘eternal leader’

Rwandan president Paul Kagame says he will seek a third term in 2017 after voters approved constitutional changes which could allow him to 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,” Mr Kagame said in a televised address to the nation on Friday. “But I don’t think that what we need is an eternal leader.”

The unity of our people is unshakably strong and the work of nation-building continues apace

Paul Kagame

Mr Kagame has been president since 2000 but has effectively been in control since his rebel force marched into Kigali to end the 1994 genocide. He was originally limited to two terms but last month 98 per cent of voters approved changes to the constitution that would allow him to stay in power until 2034, if he wins elections. Rights groups acknowledge Mr Kagame, credited with restoring stability to the country after the genocide, has broad support for rebuilding the nation but accuse him of stifling the media and opposition.

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