One person has been confirmed dead and dozens more injured after a stampede erupted, marred by reports of violence and panic.
Tragedy struck at a campaign rally for President Paul Kagame in Rwanda, turning a political event into a scene of chaos and bloodshed.
One person has been confirmed dead and dozens more injured after a stampede erupted, marred by reports of violence and panic.
This was made known by Rwanda's national broadcaster ahead of a vote widely expected to extend the incumbent President’s 24-year rule in the country.
"One person died and 37 others were injured in a stampede that occurred during the RPF-Inkotanyi campaigns in Rubavu on Sunday," the Barron’s Daily quoted the state-run Rwanda Broadcasting Agency as reporting, using the official name for Kagame's political party.
The broadcaster added, "The Ministry of Local Government asked those participating in the campaign to follow the instructions and regulations aimed at ensuring safety and security."
President Paul Kagame, who has effectively led Rwanda since the devastating 1994 genocide that resulted in the loss of approximately 800,000 lives, primarily from the Tutsi and moderate Hutu communities, is seeking re-election.
Kagame, 66, has held the office of president since 2000 and will face familiar opponents in the upcoming election, including Frank Habineza of the Democratic Green Party and independent candidate Philippe Mpayimana, both of whom challenged him in the 2017 presidential race.
Campaigning began on Saturday with Kagame addressing rallies in Musanze and Rubavu in Northern Rwanda over the weekend.
Rwanda's courts have upheld the convictions of prominent opposition leaders Bernard Ntaganda and Victoire Ingabire, effectively disqualifying them from running in the election.
Additionally, the election commission has barred Diane Rwigara, a vocal critic of President Kagame, from participating in the race, citing her failure to provide a criminal record statement and secure the required 600 supporting signatures from citizens.
Paul Kagame first assumed the presidency in 2000, chosen by parliament after President Pasteur Bizimungu's resignation. Since then, he has secured three landslide election victories, garnering over 90% of the vote in 2003, 2010, and 2017, with his most recent win seeing him capture a staggering 98.8% of the vote.