First Heads of State announce attendance at President Kagame’s swearing-in ceremony

The upcoming swearing-in ceremony of President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, set for Sunday, August 11, 2024, at the newly renovated Amahoro Stadium, is expected to be a significant event with a large turnout, including a diverse array of international dignitaries and heads of state. Among the confirmed attendees are the President of Madagascar, Andry Nirina Rajoelina, and the President of Seychelles, Wavel Ramkalawan.

President Kagame, who secured a victory in the presidential elections held on July 14 and 15, 2024, with 99.18% of the vote, will be sworn in for another five-year term. The event will draw thousands of Rwandans, as well as friends of Rwanda from across the globe.

In addition to the Presidents of Madagascar and Seychelles, Uganda’s Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has also confirmed his participation. It is anticipated that numerous African heads of state will attend, though Presidents Evariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi and Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo may be notable absences due to strained diplomatic relations with Rwanda. Both leaders have also been absent from several recent events in Rwanda, including the 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsis.

The 2017 swearing-in ceremony of President Kagame was attended by more than 20 heads of state. This year’s event is expected to surpass that number, reflecting Rwanda’s continued diplomatic engagements across the continent.

As was the case during the 30th commemoration of the Genocide against the Tutsis, a significant number of attendees are expected to be African leaders, along with representatives from 37 international organizations. Following President Kagame’s election victory, over 20 heads of state extended their congratulations.

Kigali’s city authorities have announced that the gates of Amahoro Stadium will be open from 06:00 am to 9:00 am to accommodate the expected crowds. The stadium has historically been the venue for President Kagame’s swearing-in ceremonies, with previous events in 2003, 2010, and 2017 each drawing large crowds and multiple international leaders.

In 2003, President Kagame was sworn in by Siméon Rwagasore, then President of the Supreme Court, with nine heads of state in attendance. In 2010, Aloysia Cyanzayire presided over the ceremony, which saw 16 heads of state and government in attendance. The 2017 ceremony, presided over by Prof. Sam Rugege, saw over 20 heads of state attend. This time, the ceremony will be overseen by Dr. Faustin Ntezilyayo, the current President of the Supreme Court.

A military parade and other ceremonial displays by the National Guard are planned for the event, with Rwandan Army helicopters having been spotted over Kigali in recent days as part of the preparations.

ND

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