Amb. Festus Bizimana presents credentials to Senegalese president

Festus Bizimana, the newly appointed Ambassador of Rwanda to the Republic of Senegal, presented his Letters of Credence to President Bassirou Diomaye Diakhar Faye on Thursday, May 8. Bizimana, a policy analyst, was appointed as Rwanda’s ambassador to Senegal on December 20, 2024. He previously worked at the United States Embassy in Kigali and also served as Vice President of the Rwanda Cycling Federation. During the credential presentation ceremony, Ambassador Bizimana delivered a message from President Paul Kagame, reaffirming Rwanda’s strong commitment to strengthening the longstanding diplomatic relations between Rwanda and Senegal. He emphasized the growing cooperation between the two countries across various sectors, particularly focusing on enhancing economic ties through increased trade, investment, and business partnerships, especially within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). According to the Embassy of Rwanda in Senegal, President Diomaye warmly welcomed Ambassador Bizimana, wished him success in his mission, and assured him of the full support of the Senegalese government during his tenure. He expressed appreciation for the strong and friendly relations between the two nations. President Faye also asked the Ambassador to convey his cordial greetings and best wishes to President Paul Kagame. Rwanda and Senegal have maintained positive diplomatic relations since 2011, with Rwanda being represented in Senegal through an appointed ambassador. On March 27, 2025, President Paul Kagame held a productive call with his Senegalese counterpart, President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, during which they discussed progress on advancing peace in the region through the EAC-SADC process, as well as fostering mutually beneficial cooperation between the peoples of both countries. In 2016, a Joint Commission was established to oversee and strengthen bilateral relations. In the health sector, Rwanda and Senegal signed an agreement to collaborate on vaccine production with the BioNTech plant. When the facility was officially inaugurated in Kigali in 2023, former Senegalese President Macky Sall was among the distinguished guests.