President Paul Kagame has arrived in Dakar, Senegal, where he will join his host, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and other leaders for the opening ceremony of the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games at Abdoulaye Wade Stadium on Saturday, October 31. Organised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the Youth Olympic Games bring together elite young athletes, predominantly aged 15 to 17, to compete while promoting Olympic values of excellence, friendship, respect and solidarity. ALSO READ: Rwanda, Senegal ink over 10 deals to strengthen ties Rwanda is represented by nine athletes competing in five sports: athletics, swimming, cycling, taekwondo and kung fu wushu. The games are being held across three locations: Dakar, Diamniadio and Saly, and will run until November 13. Approximately 2,700 athletes are expected to compete in 25 sports, with 153 medal events. Senegal becomes the first African country to host an Olympic event. ALSO READ: Rwanda, Senegal agree to link businesses, unlock investment Kagame's visit comes as relations between Rwanda and Senegal continue to grow. Earlier this month, the two countries signed 11 cooperation agreements covering areas including development, trade and bilateral relations. The agreements were signed during the inaugural session of the Joint Permanent Commission on Cooperation between the two countries in Kigali. The meeting was held alongside the Rwanda-Senegal Investment Forum, which sought to strengthen links between businesses and investors from both countries. In October 2025, President Faye made a three-day state visit to Rwanda, during which he and Kagame witnessed the signing of several agreements covering mobility, agriculture and livestock, health, strategic programmes and correctional services.
