Profiles of Rwanda’s 2010 Presidential Candidates

Paul Kagame (RPF) PAUL KAGAME is the current President of the Republic of Rwanda. He was elected in 2003 for a seven-year term and he is the chairman of the Rwanda Patriotic Front (RPF). He was born on October 23, 1957 in then Gitarama (today’s Muhanga District). The 53-year-old had a career in the Ugandan army before he was appointed Vice-President and Minister for Defense in the Government of National Unity on July 19, 1994. After the resignation of ex-president Pasteur Bizimungu in 2000, Rwanda’s Parliament designated Kagame to take over office. He won the first democratic presidential election in 2003, and was sworn in on September 12 that year. He rose to prominence as the leader of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), whose victory over the incumbent government in July 1994 effectively ended the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi. Under his leadership, Rwanda has been called Africa’s “biggest success story.” He has received recognition for his leadership in peace building and reconciliation, development, good governance, promotion of human rights and women’s empowerment, and advancement of education. Kagame holds a diploma in Professional Management and Business Studies from the Open University of London, UK, as well as numerous honorary degrees and distinctions. He is married to First Lady Jeannette Nyiramongi Kagame, and they have four children. He is a keen tennis player and football fan. Ends