The Government of Rwanda has officially stated that President Paul Kagame is not ill, contrary to recent rumors circulating on social media.
For the past few weeks, opposition figures and some Congolese individuals have been spreading claims online that the President is sick—and some even went as far as to allege that he had died.
These rumors are mainly based on the fact that President Kagame has not appeared in public for almost three weeks. His last public appearance was on June 6, when he received a delegation from Hope Haven Christian School led by its director, Susan Hollern.
Contrary to the speculation about his health, the Government says the President is doing well and that his absence from public view is simply because he has taken some rest.
Government spokesperson Yolande Makolo told Taarifa that there is no basis to claims about the President’s health and urged Rwandans to stay calm.
She said, “Please do not be misled by these false, hateful reports that are being spread. There is no reason to fear or worry.”
Makolo added that it is not unusual for President Kagame to be out of the public eye, especially after a period of intense national and international duties.
“He is human too, and like anyone else, he takes time to rest. There is nothing abnormal or concerning. The President is doing well and is simply on regular rest. He remains fully in charge,” she added.
This is not the first time such rumors about the President’s health have circulated. In the past, he has personally dismissed such claims.
The Government says these rumors are politically motivated.
