Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has declared that he will run for a fourth term in the 2024 presidential elections.

Kagame revealed his intentions to vie for a fourth term in office during an interview with the Jeune Afrique magazine journalist on September 19.

“Yes, I am indeed a candidate,” Kagame told journalists.

He enjoys the freedom of seeking another term in office after a referendum that was held in 2015 removed a two-term constitutional limit for presidents.

President Kagame noted that the people of Rwanda have confidence in his leadership and he was willing to continue serving them.

“I am happy with the confidence that the Rwandans have in me. I will always serve them, as much as I can,” he said.

Kagame added that he won’t be disturbed about what the West or other international organisations would say about him, as he is focused on serving Rwanda.

He explained that what other world leaders think about him is their opinions, which is also their right but it can’t deter him from discharging his duties as president.

However, his latest remarks contradict his earlier statement in April 2023 when he said he was willing to hand over power during the 2024 presidential elections.

At that time, he told journalists during a press briefing that he was ready to hand over power to whoever would win the 2024 presidential elections after serving for 23 years.

The president has led the country’s ruling party, the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi) since 1998.

In April 2023, the ruling party retained Paul Kagame as party chairman, technically giving him leeway to run for another term.

Kagame was first elected as president of Rwanda in the year 2000 and he has retained the seat up to date.

Under President Kagame’s leadership, Rwanda has enjoyed political stability but critics accuse his government of oppressing opposition political parties.