Paul Kagame (born October 23, 1957) is a Rwandan politician and former military officer who has served as the sixth President of Rwanda since 2000. He originally came to power in 1994 following the assassination of his predecessor, Juvénal Habyarimana, and the Rwandan genocide. Kagame's rule has been marked by a strong emphasis on economic development and political stability, although his government has been criticized for human rights abuses and suppression of political opposition. In Hebrew, his name is transliterated as פול קגאמה. In Kinyarwanda, the official language of Rwanda, his name is simply Paul Kagame. Kagame is widely regarded as a key figure in the post-genocide reconstruction of Rwanda, transforming the country into one of the fastest-growing economies in Africa. However, his leadership has also been characterized by authoritarian tendencies, with critics accusing him of consolidating power and limiting democratic freedoms.