President Kagame to hand over power after 23 Years

Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has said he is looking forward to retiring and handing over power after 23 years in office.

Speaking at a joint press briefing with Kenyan president William Ruto in the Rwandan capital, Kigali, Kagame said a succession plan was being actively discussed by the ruling party, terming his retirement an “inevitability”.

President  Kagame said he was not necessarily interested in choosing his successor but rather creating an environment that would give rise to people who can lead.

“We have been having this discussion within our [ruling] party since 2010 but circumstances, challenges and history of Rwanda tend to dictate certain things,” he said.

He said his retirement was an issue that has to be discussed “sooner or later”.

“I’m sure one day I may join journalism in my old age. I’m looking forward to that,” Mr Kagame said.

 Kagame has been president of the East African nation since 2000. 

A controversial referendum in 2015 removed a two-term constitutional limit for presidents.

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