Gabonese Member of Parliament Augustin Lobelle Yembi, who was detained in Kigali on September 3, 2026, after allegedly assaulting a RwandAir employee at Kigali International Airport, has been released and handed over to Gabonese authorities following diplomatic discussions between Rwanda and Gabon.
The incident attracted attention after videos circulated showing the Gabonese MP assaulting an airport employee. According to reports from Gabonese media, the incident occurred while Yembi was travelling through Rwanda in transit to another country.
ALSO READ: https://agaciropress.com/bank-of-kigali-and-ifad-to-invest-21-million-to-support-rwandas-farmers/
Gabonese MP Released Following Diplomatic Discussions
The President of Gabon’s National Assembly, Michel Régis Onanga Ndiaye, said Yembi was released by Rwanda’s justice system and handed over to Gabonese authorities.
Rwandan authorities allowed the MP to leave the country on September 6, following discussions between the two countries. The Gabonese Parliament said the decision was facilitated by diplomatic efforts and the relationship between Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema and Rwandan President Paul Kagame.
The release and transfer mean that the Gabonese MP assaulting a RwandAir employee case will now also be examined by authorities in Gabon.
ALSO READ: https://agaciropress.com/tanzania-bee-venom-a-popular-but-controversial-treatment/
How the Incident Started at Kigali Airport
According to reports, Yembi arrived in Rwanda while travelling to another country and had several hours to wait for his connecting flight.
After arriving at Kigali International Airport, also known as Kanombe Airport, he reportedly decided to leave the airport and spend some time at a hotel before returning for his connecting flight.
When the time came for him to catch his flight, he returned to the airport and went through the required security procedures. He was subsequently issued a boarding pass.
What Happened at the Final Gate
Reports indicate that Yembi later proceeded toward the boarding area. When he reached the final gate, where passengers pass through before entering the airport apron, he was asked to present his boarding pass and passport.
The MP reportedly refused to show the documents and attempted to proceed through the gate without presenting them.
He allegedly placed the documents on a table before slapping a RwandAir employee.
Videos that circulated in Gabonese media reportedly captured part of the incident, showing the MP striking the airport employee. However, no official explanation has been provided for what caused the confrontation.
Alcohol Allegedly Involved
There are also reports that Yembi consumed alcoholic drinks while he was at the hotel and later returned to the airport carrying some alcohol.
However, these details are based on reports surrounding the incident, and the circumstances leading to the alleged assault remain subject to examination by the relevant authorities.
The incident escalated at the boarding gate, where airport personnel reportedly attempted to ensure that passengers complied with normal boarding procedures.
Gabonese MP Arrested and Detained
Following the alleged assault, Yembi was immediately arrested and detained by Rwandan authorities.
Rwanda subsequently informed authorities in Gabon about the detention, after which diplomatic discussions began between the two countries.
The discussions eventually resulted in Yembi being released from Rwanda and transferred to Gabonese authorities on September 6.
ALSO READ: https://agaciropress.com/president-kagame-holds-talks-with-omans-sultan-haitham-bin-tariq/
Case Not Yet Over
Although the Gabonese MP assaulting a RwandAir employee incident has resulted in his departure from Rwanda, his case is not necessarily over.
Yembi is expected to face examination by Gabonese justice authorities, who will review the circumstances surrounding the incident and determine what action should be taken.
The Gabonese Parliament has also indicated that it is waiting to receive the official case file before deciding whether any measures should be taken against Yembi in relation to his position as a Member of Parliament.
Parliamentary Immunity Could Become an Issue
One of the issues that could arise is Yembi’s parliamentary immunity, which provides certain legal protections to members of Parliament.
The Gabonese Parliament is expected to examine the official documents relating to the case before determining whether his parliamentary status affects any further proceedings or disciplinary measures.
For now, the incident has highlighted the importance of complying with airport procedures and respecting airport personnel, while diplomatic engagement between Rwanda and Gabon has allowed the Gabonese MP assaulting a RwandAir employee case to proceed with the involvement of Gabonese authorities.
