The Rwandan government on Tuesday firmly dismissed speculation surrounding President Paul Kagame’s health, following his prolonged absence from the public eye.
Kagame, 67, has not made any public appearances since June 6, as indicated by inactivity on his official account.
His extended silence has triggered widespread online speculation and public concern, given his typically high-profile and hands-on leadership style.
To many citizens, Kagame remains a transformative figure credited with propelling Rwanda into modernization.
However, critics argue that he rules with an iron fist, silencing dissent and consolidating power.
Having led the rebel forces that toppled the genocidal Hutu regime in 1994, a regime responsible for the massacre of over 800,000 Tutsis and moderate Hutus, Kagame has been at the helm of Rwanda’s leadership ever since.
He secured a fourth term in office last year, winning over 99 percent of the vote.
Recently, a Rwandan dissident based in Canada alleged that Kagame was suffering from a “brain injury” and receiving medical attention in Germany.
However, a German diplomatic source told AFP that they had no information confirming the claim.
In response to the swirling rumours, Rwandan government spokesperson Yolande Makolo told local news outlet Taarifa, “There is nothing to be worried or concerned about.”
A source described as a “family member” also told Taarifa, “He is a human being, and like anyone else, he takes time to rest. There is nothing unusual or alarming.”
Meanwhile, the Rwandan army took to X to debunk a fabricated statement circulating online that falsely claimed President Kagame was experiencing a “serious health crisis,” labeling the statement as “fake.”