Kagame warns against foreign interference in Rwanda's elections

Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has warned diplomatic missions in the country against interfering in the August 4 general elections.

He sounded the caution on Tuesday in an interview with journalists at an event in the capital Kigali.

“The diplomatic missions here are not and should not replace the electoral commission. The same people are the ones crying saying people have interfered in their elections,” Kagame said.

President Kagame: Diplomatic missions summoning presidential candidates to explain themselves is unacceptable #Kwibohora23

— Presidency | Rwanda (@UrugwiroVillage) July 4, 2017

This was in response to a question posed to the Electoral Commission by the European Union representative to Rwanda over the rejection of an aspirant.

“If they could decide which candidate should win, they would be happy to do that … Diplomatic missions summoning presidential candidates to explain themselves is unacceptable,” he added.

President Kagame: I didn't understand the electoral commission work as waiting for EU representative to tell them how to do their work

— Presidency | Rwanda (@UrugwiroVillage) July 4, 2017

President Kagame on external interference: If they could decide which candidate should win, they would be happy to do that. #Kwibohora23

— Presidency | Rwanda (@UrugwiroVillage) July 4, 2017

Paul Kagame has held strong stance against western influence in Africa with the most recent being the decision to ban importation of used clothes despite threats by the United States.

Kagame is contesting for a third term as President of Rwanda. His only contender is the Green Democratic Party leader Frank Habineza.