After two weeks of intense speculation about his whereabouts, Rwandan President Paul Kagame made his first public appearance on Tuesday, June 24, meeting former Nigerian President Olusegun Obasanjo in Kigali. The meeting, held at Urugwiro Village, marked an end to the rumours that had swirled around Kagame’s health and political standing during his absence.

According to a statement from the Rwandan presidency, the two leaders engaged in a broad discussion covering regional security, African cooperation, and global affairs. The presidency noted that they exchanged views on the current situation in the region and explored ways to enhance stability and progress across the continent. A photo shared by the government showed Kagame and Obasanjo deep in conversation, seemingly dispelling concerns about the Rwandan leader’s condition.

Kagame’s disappearance from public events had sparked a wave of online rumours, with some suggesting he was critically ill or even dead. These claims gained momentum on social media, particularly among Congolese users and Rwandan exiles, including prominent critic David Himbara. The speculation was further fueled by the lack of an official explanation for Kagame’s absence, leaving room for conspiracy theories in a region already marked by political tensions.

Government spokesperson Yolande Makolo had earlier dismissed the rumours as unfounded, stating that Kagame was merely taking a personal break and was in good health. However, the silence from the presidency until now had done little to calm the growing uncertainty. Kagame, who has ruled Rwanda since 2000, has often been the target of misinformation campaigns, especially during periods of heightened friction with neighbouring DR Congo.

This is not the first time Kagame’s absence has triggered speculation. In 2014, he vanished from public view for several weeks, leading to widespread rumours and even premature celebrations in Kinshasa about his supposed death. A similar situation arose in 2021 when he missed key national events, further fuelling claims about his health, particularly in Uganda, where relations with President Yoweri Museveni were strained at the time.

The meeting with Obasanjo appears to be a deliberate move to quell the latest round of rumours and reassure both supporters and critics of Kagame’s continued leadership. Obasanjo, a respected elder statesman in Africa, has been involved in mediating conflicts across the continent, and his presence in Kigali adds weight to the discussions on regional stability.

Kagame’s return to public duties comes at a time when Rwanda faces ongoing tensions with DR Congo, where the government has repeatedly accused Kigali of supporting the M23 rebel group—a claim Rwanda denies. The persistent conflict in eastern Congo has kept regional relations volatile, making Kagame’s visibility and engagement all the more significant.

While the exact details of their conversation remain undisclosed, the meeting signals Kagame’s readiness to re-engage in both domestic and continental affairs. For now, the sight of the Rwandan president back in action may put an end to the rumours, but in a region where political dynamics shift rapidly, his every move will continue to be closely watched.

The episode also highlights the challenges African leaders face in managing public perception, especially in the age of social media, where unverified claims can spread rapidly. Kagame’s ability to weather such speculation in the past suggests that this latest incident is unlikely to weaken his grip on power, but it serves as a reminder of the persistent scrutiny surrounding his leadership.

As Kagame resumes his official duties, the focus will likely shift back to Rwanda’s domestic policies and its role in regional diplomacy. For now, his meeting with Obasanjo has provided a much-needed sense of normalcy after weeks of uncertainty. Whether this will fully silence the rumours remains to be seen, but for the moment, President Kagame is back—and the speculation can rest.