Tinubu holds private lunch talks with Rwandan President Kagame in Paris

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Sunday held a private lunch meeting with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Paris, where both leaders exchanged views on global developments and strategies for advancing Africa’s collective interests on the world stage.

The closed-door engagement, which took place at an upscale Parisian restaurant, was confirmed in a statement issued by the Presidency and accompanied by photographs showing the two presidents in deep conversation over a meal.

According to the statement, the leaders used the informal setting to deliberate on pressing world affairs and opportunities for strengthening Africa’s voice and relevance in global decision-making.

The meeting came days after President Tinubu departed Lagos on December 28, 2025, for his end-of-year vacation in Europe. His Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, had earlier confirmed the trip, stating that the President would combine the holiday with key international engagements.

As part of his schedule, Tinubu is expected to travel to the United Arab Emirates in early January 2026 to attend the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week Summit, following an invitation from UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The summit is expected to convene global leaders, policymakers and experts to chart pathways for sustainable development in the coming decades.

Although the Presidency has not officially disclosed the full list of European countries included in the President’s itinerary, France and the United Kingdom have traditionally featured in Tinubu’s annual leave destinations.

The Paris meeting with Kagame underscores Nigeria’s continued diplomatic engagement with key African leaders, even as President Tinubu balances official duties with his end-of-year break.

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