The Government of Rwanda has conveyed its condolences following the passing of United States Senator Lindsey Graham, who died on Sunday, July 12, 2026, at the age of 71. Graham’s office confirmed that the senator died after a sudden illness. At the time of his passing, Graham was serving his fourth term in the United States Senate.
Rwanda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Olivier Nduhungirehe, honoured the late senator, describing him as a key supporter of stronger cooperation between the United States and Africa.
Nduhungirehe said Graham would be remembered for his efforts in promoting fairer US-Africa relations, supporting conservation initiatives, and advocating for peace and stability in the Great Lakes region.
“We will remember him as a frank and steadfast champion of more equitable U.S.-Africa ties, of wildlife conservation, and of peace in the Great Lakes region.” He noted.
Graham, a Republican senator from South Carolina, had represented the state in the US Senate since 2003 and became a prominent figure in American politics, particularly in foreign policy, national security, and international affairs.
Rwanda’s Ambassador to the United States, Mathilde Mukantabana, also paid tribute to Graham, highlighting his commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.
She extended condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, staff members, and the people of South Carolina, and said his contribution to strengthening cooperation would continue to be remembered.
During the later years of his political career, Graham consistently described Rwanda as one of the United States’ most important partners in East Africa.
He held several meetings with Rwandan leaders, including President Paul Kagame, where they discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in areas such as security, economic development, and environmental conservation.
In December 2025, while President Kagame was in Washington for activities related to the Rwanda–DR Congo peace agreement, he met with Senator Graham to discuss ways of further strengthening relations between Rwanda and the United States.
Earlier, in April 2019, Graham was among a bipartisan delegation of US senators hosted by President Kagame and First Lady Jeannette Kagame for discussions on key issues affecting both countries and opportunities to deepen cooperation.
One of the reasons Graham became well known in Rwanda was his role in opposing proposals that called for the United States to impose sanctions on Rwanda.
