Rwandan President Paul Kagame on Tuesday received Nigeria’s former President Olusegun Obasanjo in Kigali, in a meeting that touched on regional security, continental cooperation and global developments, marking Kagame’s first public appearance in two weeks.
The two leaders met at Urugwiro Village, the Rwandan presidency confirmed in a statement, describing their conversation as “wide-ranging” and centred on “pathways toward stability, cooperation, and progress” within Africa.
Kagame, 66, has not been seen in public since early June, sparking online speculation and unfounded rumours about his health. The silence gave rise to a storm of social media theories, particularly in Congolese and Rwandan exile communities, with some falsely claiming he had died or was critically ill.
Government spokesperson Yolande Makolo had dismissed the claims last week, stating Kagame was “on a personal break” and remained in good health.
His meeting with Obasanjo — a prominent continental statesman known for his involvement in conflict resolution and regional diplomacy — appeared to reinforce the government’s denial of any health crisis.
While the statement did not disclose the full scope of their conversation, observers say the meeting is significant given ongoing instability in parts of East and Central Africa, particularly tensions involving Rwanda and neighbouring DR Congo.
Kagame, who has ruled since 2000, has frequently been the subject of disinformation campaigns, often coinciding with periods of heightened regional tension. Similar rumours trailed previous absences, including in 2014 and 2021.
Obasanjo’s visit may also signal renewed diplomatic momentum in regional peacebuilding efforts, a space where the former Nigerian leader remains an influential voice.
The Rwandan presidency did not confirm whether any bilateral agreements or joint communiqués were reached during the meeting. However, the optics of Kagame’s return alongside a respected African elder statesman may help allay concerns and refocus attention on regional collaboration.
