More than 2,200 members of the Rwandan Patriotic Front (RPF–Inkotanyi) on Friday, December 19, 2025 gathered at Intare Arena in Kigali for the party’s 17th National Congress, a high-level meeting of the party members.
The congress, chaired by RPF Chairman President Paul Kagame and attended by First Lady Jeannette Kagame, adopted key reforms to the party’s leadership and governance structure.
Central among these changes was the establishment of a Council of Elders, a move party leaders described as a way to reinforce strategic guidance, institutional memory and values-based leadership within the organization.
Delegates also approved revisions to the party’s statutes and endorsed a restructured National Executive Committee. As part of these decisions, Christophe Bazivamo was appointed Secretary General of RPF–Inkotanyi, succeeding Wellars Gasamagera.
Bazivamo is a senior RPF cadre with extensive leadership experience. He most recently served as the party’s Vice Chairman until 2023. He is also a diplomat and currently serves as Rwanda’s High Commissioner to Nigeria.
His public service career includes roles as a member of the East African Legislative Assembly (EALA), Minister of Local Government, Community Development, Information and Social Affairs, Minister of Internal Security, and Minister of Lands, Environment, Forests, Water and Mines, among others.
Bazivamo’s appointment comes at a time when RPF–Inkotanyi is positioning itself to play a more strategic role in guiding national transformation under Rwanda’s long-term development frameworks.
Stephen Gasana Karasanyi was confirmed as Deputy Secretary General, while Consolée Uwimana and Marie Solange Kayisire were approved as First and Second Vice Chairpersons respectively.
Speaking during the congress, party leaders emphasized that the reforms are designed to strengthen internal coordination and ensure the party remains responsive to Rwanda’s evolving development priorities.
Founded as a liberation movement, RPF–Inkotanyi has over the years evolved into a governing party with a strong emphasis on institutional governance, national unity and results-driven leadership.
The latest reforms, party officials said, are consistent with this trajectory and aim to ensure continuity, strategic clarity and generational renewal.
Delegates expressed confidence that the new leadership team and governance framework will reinforce the party’s capacity to support Rwanda’s development ambitions, while maintaining political stability and cohesion in the years ahead.
