After nearly three weeks away from the public eye, Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame re-emerged on June 24, 2025, dispelling swirling rumors about his health that had taken social media and political circles by storm. The 67-year-old leader hosted former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo at the Urugwiro Village in Kigali, engaging in discussions on regional security and continental cooperation.
Kagame’s absence since early June had sparked intense speculation, including unverified claims of serious illness and even death, fueled by online misinformation and amplified by some opposition figures in exile. The Rwandan government firmly dismissed these reports as baseless, attributing the break to a personal rest period.
The meeting with Obasanjo, a key figure in peace negotiations concerning the conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo, underscores Kagame’s continued central role in regional diplomacy despite ongoing tensions. Known for transforming Rwanda’s post-genocide recovery into a model of development, Kagame remains a polarizing figure—hailed by supporters as a visionary and criticized by detractors for authoritarian practices.
Re-elected last year with over 99% of the vote, Kagame’s reappearance reassures both domestic and international observers of his health and political stability at a critical juncture for the Great Lakes region.
This episode highlights the challenges African leaders face in the digital age, where misinformation can rapidly shape narratives and influence political dynamics. Kagame’s return to the public stage reaffirms his enduring grip on Rwanda’s future and the region’s complex geopolitics.
