The election of Rwanda’s former prime minister Bernard Makuza as the president of the Senate, the second highest ranking position in the country, has sparked speculation that he is being groomed for succession ahead of the 2017 general election.

Mr Makuza was elected the new president of the country’s Senate in an unopposed vote this week, following the resignation of Jean-Damascène Ntawukuriryayo a month ago. He stood unopposed after Laurent Nkusi declined to be nominated for the position. He was nominated by fellow senator Apollinaire Mushinzimana, who described him as an experienced person with high intellect

Political analysts say it remains unclear if President Paul Kagame will seek another term in office when his constitutional term comes to an end.

The Rwandan leader continues to send mixed signals as to whether he will retire or amend the constitution to seek a third term in 2017. Now, many see the return of Mr Makuza as part of a succession strategy should President Kagame hand over power come 2017.

“Makuza has exhibited high levels of loyalty and humility. His political record and background show that his return to the second highest office is not accidental,” said a university lecturer who spoke to The EastAfrican on condition of anonymity.

While many Rwandans are reluctant to publicly discuss whether President Kagame will seek a third term or not, insiders say the manner in which Mr Makuza was elected to the Senate presidency should signal that the latter is being prepped for even bigger things.

During the Senate election presided over by President Kagame, Mr Makuza only got one “no” vote out of 26 senators.

Mr Makuza, who does not belong to any political party, was serving as the first vice president of the Senate, which he entered in 2011, after serving more than 10 years as the country’s prime minister. His long stay in the Prime Minister’s office laid the foundation upon which his political career was built.

Mr Makuza took over temporarily following the resignation of Dr Ntawukuriryayo last month. Dr Ntawukuriryayo, a 2010 presidential contender, resigned ahead of a planned censure motion after senators accused him of acting unilaterally and flouting House rules.

READ: Outspoken president of Rwanda Senate resigns

During the election, presided over by President Kagame, Senator Fatou Harerimana was elected to replace Mr Makuza as the first vice president. President Kagame warned leaders against pursuing their own interests rather than those of the nation and the citizens who elect them.

“People are elected to offices or positions of power for certain responsibilities and duties. Once you are elected to such an office, it reminds us of our duties as leaders. Therefore you serve the interests of the people, than your own interests,” he said.

“Once we stray from these duties and choose to pursue our own interests and privileges, we cease to serve the responsibilities of all Rwandans in general and pursue whatever benefits us and our families. That is not how leadership is,” President Kagame added.

Potential replacements

Mr Makuza’s new responsibilities put him on the very short list of names that are being seen as potential replacements for President Kagame. However, Venuste Karambizi, a lecturer and political analyst, warns that looking at these changes in government or legislature in the light of what will come three years from now is “diversionary.”

“Why should anyone worry about what will happen in 2017 when there are three years to the current mandate? I think the point of focus now for the current leadership is to ensure that what was in the manifesto is delivered,” said Dr Karambizi.

Several individuals have been identified as potential replacements for President Kagame come 2017. They include Donald Kaberuka, the president of the African Development Bank, and Richard Sezibera, the current chair of the East African Community.

During President Kagame’s citizen outreach programmes, calls are occasionally made for a constitutional change to scrap term limits.

In a recent interview with The EastAfrican, Vincent Biruta, the president of the Social Democratic Party said the matter should be left to Rwandans to decide “because they are the ones who put in place the constitution and they are the only ones who can change it.”

Rwanda’s opposition remains weak and embroiled in unending wrangles and infighting, leaving the ruling party, Rwanda Patriotic Front, firmly positioned to carry on come 2017.

Prior to being appointed prime minister, Makuza had served as an ambassador to different countries including Burundi and Germany. He was a member of the Democratic Republican Movement before allegations were made that it promoted the genocide ideology, whereupon he resigned from the party and it was subsequently dissolved.