Urge the Government of Rwanda to Hold Free and Fair Elections

With the beginning of the presidential campaign August 1, the Republic of Rwanda has reached an important milestone in completing the political transition that began after the 1994 genocide. The United States is pleased to note the presence of the four candidates on the presidential ballot and the strong interest of the Rwandan people in the election process.

In the interest of seeing a democratic process continue and political openness maintained, the United States is concerned about recent reports of intimidation, harassment and the use of ethnicity as a means of inciting political division.

The United States looks forward to the Government of the Republic of Rwanda, all political parties, and civil society working cooperatively to ensure that the election campaign is conducted in a transparent atmosphere and that the presidential and legislative elections scheduled for August 25 and September 29 are free and fair.