On Sunday, President Paul Kagame was sworn in for a fourth term in office that would see him rule Rwanda for another seven years, extending his reign to 31 years.

Mr Kagame, in his oath of office administered by Chief Justice Faustin Ntezilyayo, said “never use the powers conferred upon me for personal interests”.

He added “Should I fail to honour this oath, may I be subjected to the rigours of the law.”

Mr Kagame’s inauguration, which drew attendance of other African leaders and dignitaries, followed his victory in Rwanda’s election on July 15.

He won 99 per cent of votes, defeating two opposition, Frank Habineza and Philippe Mpayimana, after six other candidates were disqualified from contesting.

Mr Kagame, 66, has been president for 24 years since he assumed office in 2000. His fourth term in office would see him extend his rule over Rwanda to over three decades.

While Mr Kagame is lauded for spearheading Rwanda’s economic recovery and growth following the 1994 genocide, which claimed over 800,000 lives, he has faced criticism for his repression of political opposition and alleged human rights abuses.