The recent Rwandan presidential election, resulting in Paul Kagame’s supposed landslide victory with over 99% of the vote, stands as a stark testament to the hollowness of democracy in the East African nation. This farcical display of electoral theatre not only mocks the very essence of democratic principles but also cements Kagame’s iron-fisted rule for yet another term.
Kagame’s ‘triumph’ over the same two token opponents he easily dispatched seven years ago is not a demonstration of overwhelming popular support, but rather a chilling indication of the complete suppression of genuine political opposition in Rwanda. The barring of at least three other candidates, including long-time critic Victoire Ingabire and businesswoman Diane Rwigara, from running exposes the regime’s ruthless determination to crush any semblance of dissent.
The imprisonment of these potential challengers on trumped-up charges of terrorism and inciting insurrection is a classic authoritarian tactic, designed to silence critical voices and maintain a facade of stability. It’s a stark reminder that in Kagame’s Rwanda, political opposition is not merely discouraged – it’s criminalised.
While Western powers and institutions may continue to laud Rwanda’s economic progress and stability, they cannot ignore the heavy price paid in terms of human rights and political freedoms. The international community’s muted response to such blatant electoral manipulation is a damning indictment of their willingness to prioritise geopolitical interests over genuine democratic values.
Kagame’s regime, with its carefully cultivated image of efficiency and progress, represents a dangerous model of authoritarian development that threatens to spread across the continent. It’s a model that prioritises centralised control and economic indicators over political freedoms and human rights – a bargain that history has shown to be unsustainable and ultimately destructive.
The Rwandan people, who have endured unimaginable suffering in their recent history, deserve better than this charade of democracy. They deserve a genuine choice in their leadership, the freedom to express dissent without fear of imprisonment, and the opportunity to shape the future of their nation through truly free and fair elections.
As we witness the further entrenchment of Kagame’s rule, we must redouble our efforts to support genuine democratic movements across Africa. We must amplify the voices of those brave enough to stand up to authoritarian regimes, even in the face of overwhelming odds.
As Kagame embarks on yet another term, let us not be fooled by the numbers. This is not a victory for democracy – it’s a defeat. But it’s a defeat that should galvanise all those who believe in genuine democratic values to continue the fight for a truly free and open Rwanda, and indeed, a truly free and open Africa.