However the 99% margin he secured illustrated the oppressive political environment he created that stifles dissent.

Paul Kagame’s supporters number more than six-and-a-half million say the election result is an accurate barometer of his popularity.

They say he won it by lifting Rwanda from its post genocide depths to become a beacon of prosperity and stability

They contrast dramatically with the 5 000 opponents who say they’ve paid physically and financially for speaking out against him

Their fear is the win has created a new member of Africa’s burgeoning forever presidents club and its emboldened those existing associates who misguidedly believe their countries cannot survive without them at the helm

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