Brussels, July 22, 2024 – Jambo asbl, a human rights organization advocating for democracy and the rule of law in Rwanda, expresses its deep concern over the results and context of the presidential and legislative elections held in Rwanda on July 15, 2024. In reality, these elections represent a non-event.
The official results, showing a victory for Paul Kagame with 99.18% and an absolute dominance of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) and its allies in Parliament, in no way reflect the profound aspirations of Rwandan society for social harmony, freedom, and prosperity for all. Such staggering figures are only possible due to the extreme closure of the political space in Rwanda, one of the most restricted not only in Africa but globally.
It is important to recall that all political parties opposing the current regime are banned or forced into exile. Political leaders who dare to dissent are marginalized, pressured, imprisoned, disappeared, or simply assassinated. Civil society and the media face similar repression. The past months have particularly highlighted the dramatic situation of Victoire Ingabire, an opposition leader who, after being imprisoned for eight years, is now isolated following the elimination of her supporters and is almost under house arrest, subjected to constant pressure and insults from the regime and President Kagame himself.
These elections only underscore the total control President Kagame, his family, and his party have over all levers of Rwandan power: executive, legislative, judicial, military, and economic.
The regime has succeeded in creating an image of a model and miraculous country on the international stage, relying on skewed statistics, superficial cleanliness, and expensive public relations campaigns. However, this so-called miracle is far from the reality experienced by Rwandans. Rwanda remains one of the 25 poorest countries in Africa, with a fragile economy, enormous debt, rising unemployment exceeding 40% among youth, and some of the most pronounced inequalities on the continent. Contrary to official propaganda, access to clean water and electricity remains deeply problematic for rural and poor Rwandans, who make up the majority of the population. The quality of education and healthcare is also among the lowest in Africa. Nepotism, ethnic favoritism, and oligarchy characterize Rwandan society.
Under these conditions, the sad conclusion is that there is no means for a democratic and peaceful transition of power. These elections only increase the silent frustrations of the Rwandan people. If these latent tensions erupt into an open crisis, President Kagame must be held personally responsible.
The international community must recognize the impossibility for the Rwandan people to achieve political change democratically under the current conditions. It also has the duty to act to prevent the situation from reaching a point of no return.
This is the essence of our commitment, which drives us, a conscientious movement supported by a young generation of Rwandans who have been victims of the last thirty tragic years of our country, to issue this warning and to commit ourselves to prevent the worst and to bring about lasting and genuine peace and prosperity.
In conclusion, these elections are a non-event. The fight for democracy and the establishment of the rule of law in Rwanda must continue, expand, and strengthen, in the interest of the Rwandans, the peoples and states of the region, and for the peace and prosperity of all.
Norman Ishilmwe Sinamenye
President of Jambo asbl