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.
