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By IVAN R. MUGISHA
In Summary
- The EU noted that the push by the government to remove presidential term limits could undermine the principles of democratic change.
The European Union (EU) has, for the first time, raised concern over the ongoing Rwanda constitutional amendment debate
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EU noted that the push by the government to remove presidential term limits could undermine the principles of democratic change.
The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security
Policy in Rwanda, Ms Federica Mogherini, said Thursday: “The adoption of
provisions that can apply only to one individual weakens the
credibility of the constitutional reform process as it undermines the
principle of democratic change of government enshrined in Article 23 of
the African Charter of Democracy, Elections and Governance.”
Article 23 states that illegal means of accessing or maintaining
power constitute an unconstitutional change of government and shall
draw appropriate sanctions by the African Union.
AU charter
Part five of the article further rejects any amendment or
revision of the constitution or legal instruments, which was an
infringement on the principles of democratic change of government.
Ms Mogherini said whereas it was a legitimate expectation of a
country to revise its governance, the amendments to the Rwandan
constitution recently approved by Parliament - if confirmed by
referendum - would give rise to this situation condemned by the AU
charter.
“The EU strongly supports the principle of democratic
transitions, based on transparent, inclusive and accountable processes
as laid down in the African Charter,” she said.
“In countries that have consistently respected term limits and
allowed for change, societies have become more resilient and
institutions more credible. There are many examples for that on the
continent.”
She added that the EU would remain engaged in support of peace
and prosperity in the Great Lakes region and looked forward to its
continued dialogue with Rwandan authorities.
President Kagame’s final term in office comes to a conclusion in
2017, upon which he will be barred from running for again under the
current constitution.
However, late last month, Rwanda’s Cabinet approved the amended
constitution to allow President Kagame to run for a third successive
term.
Strong criticism
Although term limits were maintained and even slashed to five
years from seven in the draft constitution, article 167 states that the
president who has completed the term of office of seven years may be
re-elected.
READ: Rwanda senate okays President Kagame third term
This move has also come under strong criticism from the US.
Washington ambassador to the United Nations Samantha Power last
week termed the constitutional amendment as “parliamentary manoeuvring”,
noting that her country expects President Kagame to “follow through on
the commitments that he has made many times in the past to allow the
next generation of leaders to come forward.”
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