Photo : UNICEF
NIAS Area Studies
AFRICA MONITOR
Photo : UNICEF
IN BRIEF
Ayan Datta
Rwanda: Candidates begin campaigning for the 15 July presidential elections
On 22 June, Africanews reported that Rwanda began campaigning for the presidential elections. The elections are scheduled for 15 July. Three candidates are running for the elections- Paul Kagame, incumbent President and leader of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) party; Frank Habineza, leader of the Democratic Green party; and Phillipe Mpayimana, an independent candidate. (“Rwanda: A campaign period of three weeks to convice voters,” Africanews, 22 June 2024)
Rwanda: Deadly stampede at Kagame rally
On 22 June, one person died, 37 were injured, and four were hospitalised after a stampede in President Paul Kagame’s campaign rally in the Rubavu district. Around 250,000 people attended the rally. The same day, parties began campaigning for the 15 July general election. Rwanda’s Ministry of Local Government stated that people should “follow the instructions given by those in charge to ensure the safety and tranquillity of those participating in campaign activities.” (“Rwanda 2024 election: One killed in Paul Kagame rally crush in Rubavu,” BBC, 22 June 2024)