Ambassador Gen. Maj. Nzabamwita Presents Credentials to President Putin

Rwanda’s Ambassador to the Russian Federation, Gen. Maj. Joseph Nzabamwita, has formally presented his credentials to President Vladimir Putin, conveying a message from President Paul Kagame. The ceremony took place at the Kremlin Presidential Palace on January 15, 2026, alongside 31 other ambassadors accredited to Russia. Senior Russian officials in attendance included Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Head of the Presidential Administration Yuri Ushakov. Ambassador Nzabamwita officially assumed his duties on April 22, 2025, after presenting copies of his credentials to Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov. He succeeds Lt. Gen. (Rtd) Frank Mushyo Kamanzi, who concluded his mission on February 4, 2024. In his address, President Putin underscored that Russia’s foreign policy is grounded in mutual respect, adherence to international law, and the promotion of inclusive governance. He reaffirmed the importance of Russia’s relations with Africa, describing them as based on mutually beneficial cooperation. “A large number of ambassadors from friendly African countries are present today, including representatives from Rwanda, Somalia, Gabon, Senegal, Mauritania, Algeria, Ghana, and Namibia,” President Putin said. “Russia maintains constructive relations with all African countries through cooperation, assistance, and partnership. We are committed to expanding political, economic, and humanitarian ties.” He recalled Russia’s historical role in supporting African countries’ paths to independence and development, and noted ongoing commitments made during the Russia-Africa Summits in Sochi and Saint Petersburg, as well as the Africa-Russia Foreign Ministers’ Summit held in Cairo in 2025, with another summit planned for this year. Following the ceremony, Ambassador Nzabamwita delivered President Kagame’s message to President Putin and held separate discussions with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and Yuri Ushakov, reaffirming their commitment to sustained dialogue. The talks focused on strengthening the longstanding relations between Rwanda and Russia, which date back to 1963 and have steadily expanded over the years. Presidents Kagame and Putin previously held bilateral discussions during the Russia-Africa Summits in 2018 and 2019. Bilateral cooperation continues to grow in several sectors, including nuclear technology, where Russia is supporting Rwanda’s efforts to develop nuclear energy, and education, with hundreds of Rwandan students currently studying at Russian universities. The Rwandan Embassy in Russia reiterated its commitment to deepening these ties and expanding cooperation across the political, economic, social, cultural, commercial, and tourism sectors.