Kagame receives credentials from five new ambassadors to Rwanda

By The Inspirer.

President Paul Kagame on October 16, 2026, received credentials from five ambassadors appointed to represent their countries and the European Union in Rwanda.

The ceremony took place at Village Urugwiro, the President’s office in Kigali.

Those who presented their credentials included Tinyiko George Hlungwane, South Africa’s ambassador to Rwanda, and Jérémie Blin, the new head of the European Union Delegation to Rwanda.

Kagame also received credentials from Henrik Nilsson, Sweden’s ambassador to Rwanda, and Huh Junga, the ambassador of the Republic of Korea.

The fifth diplomat was El Houssein Ould Nagi, who will represent Mauritania in Rwanda from his base in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The other four ambassadors are based in Kigali.

South Africa had been without an ambassador in Rwanda since late 2024, when Mandisi Bongani Mabuto Mpahlwa completed his tenure. He had assumed the position in 2020.

Blin succeeds Belén Calvo Uyarra as the European Union’s representative in Rwanda. During her tenure, Calvo Uyarra worked to strengthen cooperation between Rwanda and the EU in areas including sustainable development, economic growth, governance and education.

Blin brings diplomatic experience to the role, having previously served as France’s ambassador to Burundi and as chargé d’affaires at the French Embassy in Rwanda.

The European Union is among Rwanda’s key development partners, with cooperation spanning economic development, governance, education and other initiatives aimed at improving citizens’ welfare.