Rwandan President Paul Kagame met with former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo on Tuesday, dispelling speculation over his health following an unusual absence from public view.
Kagame, 67, had not appeared publicly since June 6, sparking rumours online and domestically due to his typically active and visible leadership style.
The Rwandan presidency shared photos of the meeting with Obasanjo—who is currently engaged in peace efforts related to the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Rwanda has been accused of supporting rebel groups.
The government dismissed the speculation, with spokesperson Yolande Makolo telling local outlet Taarifa: “There is nothing to be worried or concerned about.” A family member quoted by the same publication added, “He is a human being, and like anyone else, he takes time to rest.”
Rumours had been fuelled by a dissident in Canada claiming Kagame was receiving treatment in Germany for a brain injury—an allegation unsubstantiated by German diplomatic sources.
Meanwhile, the Rwandan military labeled as “fake” a widely circulated social media post falsely attributed to them, which claimed the president was in a critical health crisis.
Kagame has ruled Rwanda since 1994, when he led forces to overthrow the genocidal Hutu regime. Lauded by supporters as a visionary reformer and criticised by detractors as an authoritarian ruler, he was re-elected last year with over 99% of the vote.
