Kigali, Rwanda President Paul Kagame has denied widespread social media speculation that he is grooming his daughter Ange Kagame to take over the presidency, saying he has never prepared anyone to succeed him not even his own children.
Speaking on Sunday during a meeting of Unity Club Intwararumuri, a national forum that brings together current and former Rwandan leaders, Kagame said he was personally bothered by online claims suggesting he was paving the way for his daughter’s political rise.
“I saw people on social media saying that I am grooming my daughter to lead the country,” Kagame said. “It disturbed me a little, so I felt I should address it publicly.”
“I Don’t Make People Presidents”
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The 68-year-old leader, who has been in power since 2000, clarified that he was never “groomed” by anyone to become president, and therefore, it would be wrong to suggest that he is doing so for anyone else.
“Who prepared me to be president? Not my father, not anyone it was you, the people,” he said. “I always tell you, you could even decide to let me go.”
Kagame added that each of his children has the freedom to choose their own path in life. He gave examples of his sons, noting that while two joined the military, one opted to become a businessman.
“Every Rwandan child, including mine, should be free to become whatever they want,” he said, before emphasizing: “That daughter they’re talking about I cannot make someone president. It doesn’t work that way, and perhaps she doesn’t even want it.”
Ongoing Debate on Kagame’s Successor
The comments come amid growing debate over who might eventually succeed President Kagame. Within the ruling Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF-Inkotanyi), no clear successor has publicly emerged, and opposition parties remain weak and fragmented.
Kagame was re-elected in 2024 for a fourth five-year term, following a 2015 constitutional amendment that removed term limits. Critics have accused him of entrenching power, while his supporters argue that he continues to enjoy overwhelming public support.
Last year, when the RPF endorsed him as its presidential candidate, Kagame urged the party to begin identifying future leaders capable of carrying the nation forward.
“You should not wait for me to choose one for you,” he told delegates. “Find them among yourselves.”
At the time, Kagame said he would prefer to be succeeded by a leader aged between 30 and 49, and in 2019, he had also mentioned that he would like to see a woman take over after him.
Ange Kagame’s Public Role
Ange Kagame, the president’s only daughter, currently serves as Deputy Executive Director of the National Policy and Planning Council in the Office of the President. Despite her high-profile background, she has never expressed any political ambitions or commented publicly on succession matters.
Kagame’s latest remarks appear aimed at putting an end to the speculation, emphasizing that leadership in Rwanda should come from merit and choice not family ties.
