Rwanda: Paul Kagame thinks about his retirement and a career of journalist after his reign

The question of a possible retirement has been a topic of discussion within the Rwanda ruling political party for over a decade now. This was once again brought up during a joint press conference in Kigali with his Kenyan counterpart, William Ruto who paid an official visit to the country since Tuesday. After spending 23 years as the head of state, Paul Kagame believes that it is time to pass on the baton and retire as a simple senior citizen. After his reign, he considered to join a journalist’s career.

«This discussion has been ongoing within our party since 2010, but circumstances, challenges, and the history of Rwanda have imposed other priorities on us» he declared. These declarations come a few days after the 16th congress of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF), held in Rosoruru near the Rwandan capital Kigali, during which Consolée Uwimana was elected as the party’s vice-president, becoming the first woman to hold this position since the creation of the RPF in December 1987.

«Inescapable», that was how he referred to his retirement.  According to the President Kagame, it is an issue that has to be discussed «sooner or later». He continued by adding that he is certain to join journalism at his age. «I’m looking forward to that»

Paul Kagame stated that he did not necessarily interested in  choosing his successor, but rather in  creating  an environment conducive to the emergence of a new generation of leaders.