Rwandan President Breaks Silence After Mysterious Two-Week Disappearance

Rwandan President Paul Kagame reappeared in public on Tuesday, June 24, after a notable two-week absence that had stirred intense speculation. He was seen hosting former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo at Urugwiro Village in Kigali, marking his first public engagement since going off the radar.

According to a statement from the Rwandan presidency, Kagame and Obasanjo held a “wide-ranging discussion” covering regional security, African cooperation, and pressing global matters. The conversation was described as insightful, focused on finding paths to stability and progress across the continent.

A photograph released alongside the statement showed the two leaders deep in discussion. Their meeting emphasized the importance of African-led dialogue on current geopolitical challenges, with a particular spotlight on the volatile Great Lakes region.

Kagame’s sudden disappearance had prompted widespread online speculation about his health. Unverified claims, especially on social media platforms, alleged he was seriously ill or even dead—rumours that gained momentum during his unexplained silence.

These rumours were most active among Congolese users and Rwandan exiles, including vocal critic David Himbara. The absence of official updates created fertile ground for conspiracy theories to flourish amid already heightened regional tensions.

Government spokesperson Yolande Makolo addressed the speculation last week, calling it “baseless.” She clarified that Kagame was on a personal break and remained in good health, urging the public not to indulge in misinformation.

Kagame, 66, has led Rwanda since 2000 and is no stranger to such rumours. His leadership has often been the subject of disinformation campaigns, especially during periods of heightened friction with neighbouring Democratic Republic of Congo.

This is not the first time Kagame’s absence has stirred rumours. In both 2014 and 2021, similar breaks from public view triggered false reports of his death, particularly from political circles in Kinshasa and Kampala.

His meeting with Obasanjo signals a clear return to his presidential duties. It also serves as a rebuttal to the recent speculation, potentially restoring calm among supporters and countering critics who capitalized on his absence