By 2030, Ian Kagame is poised to become Rwanda’s next president—not because he’s the son of the current leader, Paul Kagame, or due to his military background, but because he has unlocked a secret that many African leaders, including his father, have yet to grasp.
Before 2022, Ian Kagame was simply known as a member of Rwanda’s first family. Today, he mingles with world leaders and accompanies his father on international trips, gaining valuable exposure and experience on the global stage.
What sets Ian apart from other African leaders’ children is his choice to join the military, a path often avoided by the offspring of the elite due to its challenging conditions and the low regard for uniformed personnel. Ian’s inspiration seems to come from Uganda’s President Museveni’s son, General Muhoozi, who also serves as a military officer.
Despite being the bodyguard to Rwanda’s most powerful man, Ian Kagame has maintained a low-key profile, much like he did 15 years ago. He avoids the limelight, rarely interacts with the public, and stays out of headlines, in stark contrast to Uganda’s General Muhoozi, who once claimed he could defeat Kenya in a military confrontation.
Unwavering Integrity Compared to His Eldest Brother Ivan Kagame and Brian:
Unlike his older brother Ivan, who dropped out of the prestigious West Point Military Academy in the USA, Ian Kagame has proven to be a true reflection of his father, Paul Kagame. While Ivan left the military path early on, Ian has embraced it wholeheartedly.
President Kagame has always encouraged his sons to pursue military careers, possibly to ensure that one would carry on his legacy. Ivan, the eldest, initially enrolled at West Point but dropped out just two months into his training, citing a lack of interest. This decision reportedly frustrated his father, who had hoped Ivan would follow in his military footsteps. Ivan eventually pursued a degree in Business Administration and became a board member of the Rwanda Development Board (RDB).
Determined not to face another disappointment, Kagame ensured that his other son, Brian, completed his training at Sandhurst Royal Military Academy in the UK. Brian joined the Rwandan army, but insiders suggest that President Kagame places more trust in Ian than in his other sons.
Like his brothers, Ian was enrolled in the military, attending the prestigious Royal Military Academy Sandhurst (RMAS) in the UK. After graduating, Ian joined the Rwanda Defense Forces and was quickly assigned to the Presidential Guard, where he has since played a crucial role in his father’s security.
Ian is often seen in full military uniform, standing among other bodyguards with a pistol on his thigh, ready to protect his father at all costs. He is always prepared to neutralize any threat, whether it means sending an assailant to the hospital, mortuary, or beyond.
Passion Over Prestige
Unlike many other children of African presidents, Ian Kagame has chosen a profession that is often undervalued and shunned by the elite. In Africa, and particularly in places like Kenya, being a police officer or soldier is associated with a difficult life, marked by poor pay and challenging conditions. However, Ian has defied these expectations, embracing a military career and becoming one of Rwanda’s men in uniform.
Ian keeps a low profile, avoiding social media and public attention. Most social media accounts bearing his name are parodies, as he prefers to remain out of the spotlight.
While many might assume that being the child of a president means living a luxurious and flamboyant lifestyle, Ian Kagame does not fit this mold. Unlike other presidential children in Africa—especially in East Africa—who often make headlines for controversial reasons, Ian remains notably discreet. For example, Uganda’s General Muhoozi has made waves by threatening to lead an army to take over Kenya, and George Ruto, son of Kenya’s President William Ruto, has faced accusations of using his father’s influence to bend the law in Kenya. In contrast, Ian Kagame has only trended twice: during his wedding and his graduation from military academy.
Outside of these events, Ian is mostly seen at public gatherings alongside his father, President Paul Kagame, often in a protective role. This has led many to speculate that Ian is being quietly groomed to succeed his father when he eventually steps down from active politics.
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