Rwanda Defence Force armed guard during the parade at the inauguration ceremony at Amahoro National Stadium on Sunday, August 11. Photos by Dan Gatsinzi and Olivier Mugwiza
RWANDANS from across the country were on Sunday, August 11, joined by world leaders, including Heads of State and Government, and leaders of international and regional organisations, to witness the inauguration of President Paul Kagame as he embarked on a new, five-year term following his landslide victory in last month's polls.
Gates were open as early as 6a.m with some of the people turning up in the wee hours of Sunday morning, in keeping with the pattern seen during the campaigns.
The newly refurbished 45,000-seat Amahoro Stadium in the capital Kigali was full to capacity, with enthusiastic attendees celebrating the finale of a remarkable political season marked by dance, music, and cheers.
Rwanda Defence Force and Rwanda National Police mounted an impressive parade that included military choppers, while Kagame's inauguration, administered by Chief Justice Faustin Ntezilyayo, was also greeted with a 21-gun salute.
As with tradition, Kagame was handed instruments of power, including a copy of the Constitution, the Rwandan flag, the coat of arms, a sword and a shield. The colourful event also featured performances from the national ballet Urukerereza and several artistes.
The New Times brings you some of the key highlights of the inauguration in pictures.
Over 45,000 delegates gathered at Amahoro stadium to witness the swearing-ceremony of President Paul Kagame on Sunday, August 11.
Thousands of people at Amahoro Stadium during the inauguration of President Paul Kagame on Sunday, August 11. Photos by Steven Mugenzi
A military parade during the ceremony.
Heads of State during President Kagame's inauguration ceremony at Amahoro Stadium on Sunday, August 11. Photo by Dan Gatsinzi
President Paul Kagame receives the national symbols during the inauguration ceremony at Amahoro Stadium on Sunday, August 11. Photo by Olivier Mugwiza
President Paul Kagame takes the Presidential Oath during the inauguration ceremony at Amahoro Stadium on Sunday, August 11.
Heads of State who attended the inauguration ceremony in Kigali
Rwanda Defence Force armed guard during the parade at the inauguration ceremony at Amahoro National Stadium on Sunday, August 11. Photos by Dan Gatsinzi and Olivier Mugwiza
Chief Justice Faustin Ntezilyayo presides over the inauguration of President Paul Kagame.
Four military helicopters fly over Amahoro stadium during the inauguration ceremony. Photo by Olivier Mugwiza
Flag bearers lead a military parade during the Presidential Inauguration on Sunday, 11 August 2024.
President Kagame, the Commander-In-Chief of the Rwanda Defence Force, inspects the military parade at Amahoro stadium after taking the Presidential Oath.
Rwanda Defence Force and Rwanda National Police officers at the event.
Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (L), Rwanda Defence Force Army Chief of Staff, Gen. Mubarakah Muganga, and Inspector General of Police Felix Namuhoranye
RDF soldiers during a march-past
RDF and RNP officers take the salute at inauguration ceremony
National ballet Urukerereza performs at the inauguration ceremony
One of the four military helicopters flying over Amahoro stadium during the inauguration ceremony. That air force exercise was part of a military parade to mark the inauguration of President Paul Kagame on Sunday, August 11.
Sahle-Work Zewde, President of Ethiopia interacts with President Kagame at the inauguration ceremony.
King Mswati III of Eswatini interacts with Kagame at Amahoro Stadium.
The President of Madagascar, Andry Rajoelina congratulates President Kagame at the ceremony
Denis Sassou-N'Guesso, President of the Republic of Congo congratulates President Kagame at the inauguration ceremony.