Paul Kagame Sworn in for Fourth Term as Rwanda’s President in Grand Inauguration Ceremony

President Paul Kagame was sworn in as Rwanda’s Head of State on Sunday, August 11, marking the start of his five-year term, in front of thousands of Rwandans and international guests at Amahoro Stadium.

It is a ceremony attended by 45,000 people to the stadium’s capacity, including Rwandans, 22 Heads of State, four Vice Presidents, two Prime Ministers, one Deputy Prime Minister, two Speakers of Parliament, five leaders of international and regional organizations, three former heads of state, and other dignitaries.

Chief Justice Dr Faustin NTEZILYAYO administered the Presidential Oath to Rwandan President Kagame, pledging loyalty, defense of the constitution, responsibilities, peace preservation, national unity, and not using powers for personal gain.

NTEZILYAYO confirmed Kagame’s election after the oath, citing the fulfillment of legal requirements under Article 102 of the Constitution.

The Chief Justice granted Kagame symbolic power tools such as a copy of the Constitution, the national flag, and the coat of arms.

The ceremony featured a military parade by the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), cultural performances by the Rwanda National Ballet, and musical performances by various local artists, including Riderman, Bwiza, King James, Ariel Wayz, and Senderi.

During the event, RDF Chief of Defence Staff General Mubarakh Muganga presented a shield and sword to the Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, marking his new term.

Kagame’s five-year term is the first since the 2017 revision of the Rwandan Constitution. He is expected to appoint the Prime Minister within 15 days of his inauguration, who will then assist in forming the rest of the cabinet within another 15 days.

The inauguration ceremony, held about three weeks after Kagame’s landslide victory in the July 14-15 elections, saw the president receive more than 99 percent of the ballots cast.