Here's what happened when a Gabonese MP who was imprisoned for allegedly punching a Rwanda Air employee in the face at Kigali's Kanombe airport was released. Here's what both Rwanda and Gabon discussed on the issue.
Augustin Lobelle Yembi, a member of the Gabonese Parliament, was arrested at Kigali International Airport after being seen on video slapping a staff member.
Rwanda Air
In footage shared on social media, the man, who appeared to be in a state of anger, lunged at a RwandAir employee, slapping him and verbally abusing him. The employee patiently refused to respond, but his colleagues quickly intervened to calm the situation.
This incident took place on Thursday, September 3, 2026. Airport security forces immediately intervened, and Yembi was arrested and prosecuted by Rwandan justice.
The Gabonese parliament has confirmed the arrest of a man who allegedly assaulted a RwandAir flight attendant. The incident has sparked a heated debate as it was committed by a leader who should be a model of civility.
After his arrest, Rwanda and Gabon immediately began talks through diplomatic channels. This was intended to preserve bilateral relations while the issue was resolved.
On Monday, September 7, 2026, Gabon's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Marie Edith Tassyla-Ye-Doumbeneny, announced that Rwanda had agreed to allow the MP to leave the country on September 6, 2026. She said that the decision was taken due to the good relations between the two countries.
The ministry said that the strong friendship between President Paul Kagame and Gabonese President Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema played a key role in finding a solution. A special meeting of the Gabonese National Assembly Bureau chaired by its President, Michel Régis Onanga Ndiaye, was also studying ways to resolve the issue.
Rwanda agreed to release Yembi based on the brotherhood and cooperation that exists between Kigali and Libreville. This shows that although the law was followed, Rwanda chose the diplomatic path to maintain stable relations.
The Gabonese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that upon his arrival in Libreville, Yembi would be handed over to Gabonese justice to face charges for his crimes. The Gabonese parliament said it would take internal measures within its institutions.
This incident once again reminded us of the importance of respecting workers and the law wherever they are. It also showed that cooperation and brotherhood among African countries help resolve conflicts peacefully, without destroying relationships.
NSANZIMANA Sylver
