Contrarian jurist/retired journalist Didas Gasana has declared he will be a candidate in Rwanda’s 2024 presidential elections.

His announcement on Feb 23rd, 2022 took us all by surprise and since then Gasana has faced the usual backlash from Kagame’s Twitter army and RNC supporters already labeling him a traitor.

Rwanda’s elections are usually a ceremonial indulgence staged for her “democratic” donors. Kagame doesn’t lose elections, even when he loses.

Kagame’s supporters are already geared up for his victory in 2024

Mr. Gasana’s challenging of the status quo is a healthy exercise that could benefit Rwanda particularly if he could organize the many currents labeling as “Rwanda’s opposition in exile” as one respectable and fluid entity come 2024. That in itself would be a victory worth celebrating.

Rangira Albert