President Kagame Celebrates His 67th Birthday in Samoa While Attending CHOGM 2024

On October 23, 2024, President Paul Kagame, currently on an official visit to Samoa, celebrated his 67th birthday during the ongoing Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in the island nation. The celebration, held in Apia, Samoa’s capital, was a modest yet significant event, with close associates and high-ranking officials from Rwanda joining him.

Among those who attended the celebration were Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olivier Nduhungirehe, Rwanda’s Ambassador to the UK and Samoa, Ambassador Johnston Busingye, Rwanda Development Board CEO Francis Gatare, and Minister of Infrastructure Dr. Jimmy Gasore. Ambassador Nduhungirehe, sharing the occasion on social media platform X, posted heartfelt birthday wishes to President Kagame along with photos of the celebration.

President Kagame, born on October 23, 1957, has been a pivotal figure in Rwanda’s progress and international engagement. This year, his birthday coincided with his participation in CHOGM 2024, a prestigious biennial summit bringing together heads of state from Commonwealth nations.

As part of the summit, President Kagame also held bilateral talks with Samoa’s Prime Minister, Fiamē Naomi Mata’afa, focusing on strengthening ties between Rwanda and Samoa. The discussions aimed at enhancing cooperation in various sectors, underscoring the evolving relationship between the two nations.

The 2024 CHOGM summit marks the end of Rwanda’s tenure as chair of the Commonwealth, a position President Kagame held since the 2022 summit, which took place in Kigali. Samoa is now set to take over the leadership of the Commonwealth, with the 27th CHOGM meeting being held from October 21 to 26, 2024, in Apia.

President Kagame’s birthday celebration in Samoa serves as a reminder of his continued leadership and influence on the global stage, while also reflecting the warm camaraderie shared among Rwandan officials as they navigate significant international engagements.