Rwandan President Paul Kagame was greeted by enthusiastic crowds of supporters during a rally in Gasabo, located approximately twelve kilometers from the city center of Kigali. Riding on an open van, Kagame acknowledged the thousands of supporters by waving to them before joining them in chanting slogans of his party, the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF).

Expressing his gratitude, Kagame stated, “I have come to express my thanks in advance. I urge you to remain focused on important matters and not be swayed by detractors.”

The upcoming election on Monday is expected to secure Kagame’s fourth term as president, with the incumbent facing minimal opposition. Campaign rallies will conclude on Saturday, leading up to the vote on Monday, which is projected to extend Kagame’s presidency for another five years. A significant number of 9.5 million Rwandans are registered to participate in the election, as confirmed by electoral authorities.

Kagame’s opponents, Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party of Rwanda and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana, have encountered challenges in attracting large crowds to their events.

Having previously secured nearly 99% of the vote in 2017 against the same opponents, Kagame is anticipated to achieve a similar outcome this year, given the absence of substantial opposition in the country.

Kagame, aged 66, rose to power as the leader of rebels who overthrew Rwanda’s government and halted the genocide in 1994. Initially serving as Rwanda’s vice president and de facto leader from 1994 to 2000, Kagame assumed the presidency thereafter.

Throughout his tenure, Kagame has governed Rwanda as an authoritarian figure intolerant of political dissent.

Supporters of Kagame praised his leadership and expressed optimism regarding his imminent fourth term as president. One supporter, Nkomezi Jean-Cla, highlighted, “We are voting for him due to his past accomplishments and ongoing efforts for the future. We are pleased with the numerous achievements of our president.”