Rwanda will hold presidential and parliamentary elections on July 15. President Paul Kagame, who has ruled since 2000, is widely expected to stay in office. He has been declared the winner in the last three elections with more than 90 % of the vote. Amnesty International has said the elections will take place amid repression and severe restrictions on human rights.
The IPAEA hosted an online off-the-record discussion with two banned opposition candidates -Diane Rwigara and Victoire Ingabire- and a former advisor to President Kagame -David Himbara-.
It was an insightful conversation that provided us with more context to cover this election and understand where the country finds itself politically, socially, and economically.
Our attempts to have the Rwandan presidency join the briefing were unsuccessful.