High Level Meeting in Brazzaville
President Paul Kagame was received by his newly re-elected counterpart of the Republic of the Congo, Denis Sassou Nguesso. They held talks focused on continuing to develop the already strong bilateral relations between the two countries.
Kagame’s Arrival and Visit
On April 15, 2026, President Kagame arrived in Brazzaville. He attended the swearing in ceremony of President Nguesso, which is scheduled for April 16, 2026.
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Reception at the Presidential Palace
A statement released by the Office of the Head of State, Village Urugwiro, on Wednesday evening states that President Kagame was received at the Presidential Palace of the Republic of the Congo, known as Le Palais du Peuple, in Brazzaville.
It continues: “The two leaders discussed the already strong relations between the two countries, key issues that hinder cooperation in key areas, and ways of continuing to develop existing relations. President Kagame wished his Congolese counterpart good luck in his new mandate.”
Nguesso’s Re-election and Inauguration
President Nguesso’s inauguration will take place at Unity Stadium in Brazzaville on April 16. It will be attended by heads of state from various African countries.
It follows the presidential elections held on March 15. Nguesso won 94.65% of the vote, defeating Mavoungou Zinga Mabio, who had 1.48% of the vote, along with five other candidates who split the remaining votes. This victory earned him another five-year term.
Economic and Strategic Cooperation
The Minister of Internal Security, Dr. Vincent Biruta, also arrived in Brazzaville on April 14, where he was received by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Denis Christel Sassou Nguesso.
They held talks aimed at strengthening cooperation between the two countries. Among the topics discussed were the development of the Maloukou industrial and commercial zone, mining projects, and security issues in the region.
Longstanding Rwanda and Congo Relations
Rwanda and Congo have a long history of relations. They cooperate in sectors including trade, security, agriculture, land use, and air travel facilitation.
In August 2016, Rwanda opened an embassy in Congo Brazzaville. In 2011, the two countries signed cooperation agreements in air travel, tourism, energy, security, justice, environment, and fisheries. RwandAir has operated flights between Kigali and Brazzaville since 2011.
In November 2021, they signed additional agreements on military cooperation, education and university training, land use, sustainable development, environmental protection, trade promotion, and expansion of air transport.
In 2023, President Kagame awarded Denis Sassou Nguesso the Agaciro Medal of Honor in recognition of his contribution to African development, and he also gave him a cow.
