Parties endorse Kagame as president

Representatives of approved political parties in Rwanda have called on the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF) to nominate Defence Minister Paul Kagame as the country’s new president, following the resignation of Pasteur Bizimungu, Rwandan radio reported on Thursday. Kagame is currently acting president until the RPF - which holds the presidency according to the 1993 Arusha agreement - nominates two contenders. A press release issued by the parties in the transitional government said Kagame “manifested the capability of a stable leader trusted by all Rwandans and respected by other foreign countries”. “He led the RPF and the government of national unity during difficult times, and showed patriotism, heroism, sacrifice and intelligence.”