Rwanda’s strongman may hollow out domestic politics

Significance

The case has drawn widespread attention, not only because of Rusesabagina’s fame, but also because he claims to have been the victim of an extraordinary rendition.

Impacts

• Kagame’s aggressive politics will continue to stoke regional antagonism, despite recent thaws in relations with neighbours.
• Kagame will continue to try to offset concerns over his domestic and regional tactics by playing a positive role on the continental stage.
• The COVID-19 pandemic may seriously disrupt Rwanda’s impressive development arc, bringing mounting fiscal and balance-of-payment concerns.