President Paul Kagame on Friday, October 16, formally accredited Jérémie Blin as the European Union’s ambassador to Rwanda after receiving his letters of credence at Urugwiro Village.
Blin succeeds Belén Calvo Uyarra, who completed her tenure as the EU’s representative in Rwanda. His appointment comes as the bloc continues its cooperation with Rwanda in areas including economic development, trade, investment, education, governance and climate action.
A career diplomat with experience in the Great Lakes region, Blin previously served as France’s ambassador to Burundi and as chargé d’affaires at the French Embassy in Rwanda. He was named EU ambassador-designate to Rwanda in September 2026.
Blin was among five diplomatic representatives who presented their credentials to Kagame during Friday’s ceremony. The others were Henrik Nilsson of Sweden, Huh Junga of the Republic of Korea, Tinyiko George Hlungwane of South Africa and El Houssein Ould Nagi of Mauritania.
Hlungwane’s accreditation also marks the return of South Africa’s ambassador-level representation in Rwanda following the end of Mandisi Bongani Mpahlwa’s assignment in late 2024. Mpahlwa had served in Kigali since 2020.
Ould Nagi will be based in Addis Ababa while representing Mauritania in Rwanda. The other four representatives are based in Kigali.
The presentation of credentials formally recognises the representatives’ authority to carry out their diplomatic duties in Rwanda.
