The Supreme Muslim Council of Rwanda convened on Saturday in Kigali to elect a new Mufti.

Sheikh Salim Hitimana was elected the leader of the Muslim community and his term will last five years.

Hitimana replaced Sheikh Ibrahim Kayitare who has led the Muslim community in Rwanda for the past two-and-half years, having been named to complete the term of the last elected Mufti, Abdul Karim Gahutu.

Following his election, Hitimana thanked the council for entrusting him with the new mandate, saying he will strive to promote the interest of Muslims in the country.

"We will build on the achievements of our predecessors. They accomplished so many things but as the incoming committee, we have the obligation of using these achievements as the foundation to enhance further our community,” he said.

He said that during his leadership, he would try as much as possible to borrow a leaf from "exceptional leaders such as President Paul Kagame,” especially in entrenching good governance and ensuring unity and security among Muslims.

Hitimana said the importance of working closely with the government is to ensure they do not deviate from the vision of the country.

"We want to advance peace among Rwandans, fight any genocide ideology and indiscipline among Muslims, forge within Muslim communities and other sectors, private and public to advance the common good, which is the development of our country,” he said.

In his speech, Kayitare said that during his leadership, the living conditions of Islamic communities significantly improved, but added that there are other challenges that the incoming committee would have to face.

He pledged to support the new committee in case they need any help.

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