U.S. Reiterates Criticism of Rwandan Leader’s Bid to Extend Rule
Paul Richardson
The U.S. reiterated its criticism of Rwandan President Paul Kagame’s plan to extend his 15-year rule in elections next year, urging the country to allow competition for leadership to strengthen security and economic gains.
“Senior executives — whether in government or business — need to foster an environment where disparate ideas and creative disagreements can thrive,” U.S. Commerce Secretary Penny Pritzker said in a statement issued during her visit to Rwanda Wednesday. “Few things are more important to an enterprise’s long-term viability than transition planning.”
The U.S. State Department said earlier this month it was “deeply disappointed” with Kagame for announcing his candidacy in elections planned for next year. Kagame, who has governed Rwanda since 2000, rejected the criticism.
