Min. Mukazayire honors Rwanda’s medal-winning after historic African Championships triumph

Nelly Mukazayire praised Rwanda’s medal-winning athletes after their historic performances at the 2026 African Senior Athletics Championships in Accra, describing the achievements as a milestone for Rwandan athletics.

The athletes received a warm welcome upon their arrival at Kigali International Airport on May 18 before later meeting the Minister of Sports, who congratulated them for proudly representing the country on the continental stage.

Among the standout performers was Emeline Imanizabayo, who made history by becoming the first Rwandan athlete ever to win a gold medal at the African Athletics Championships.

Imanizabayo delivered an outstanding performance in the women’s 5000 metres final, crossing the finish line in 23:25.92 to secure Rwanda’s first continental gold medal in athletics.

Her historic victory sparked celebrations among Rwandan sports fans and marked a significant breakthrough for athletics development in the country.

The achievement is being viewed as one of the greatest moments in Rwanda’s athletics history since the nation began participating in major continental competitions.

Rwanda added another medal through Florence Niyonkuru, who claimed silver in the women’s 10,000 metres race after clocking 31:43.73.

She finished behind Kenya’s Diana Wanza while Ethiopia’s Asefu Abrha Kiros secured bronze.

Niyonkuru’s strong performance further confirmed her growing reputation as one of Rwanda’s leading long-distance runners.

Earlier this year, she also impressed after winning the Bangalore 10,000 race in India, showing consistent form ahead of future international competitions.

Rwanda was represented by four athletes at the championships, including Magnifique Mutesiwase and Honorine Iribagiza, as competitors from 54 African nations gathered at the University of Ghana Stadium in Legon, Accra, for the 24th edition of Africa’s biggest athletics event.

During the meeting with the athletes, Minister Mukazayire praised their discipline, sacrifice and determination, saying their achievements continue to inspire young athletes across Rwanda.

She emphasized that the country is increasingly establishing itself as a rising force in African athletics through improved training programs and greater investment in sports development.

Mukazayire also encouraged the athletes to remain focused as they prepare for upcoming international events, including the 2026 Commonwealth Games scheduled for July in Scotland and the World Athletics Championships set for September in England.

Rwandan athletics officials believe the recent medals represent the beginning of a new era for the sport.

With more young talents emerging and better infrastructure being developed, hopes are growing that Rwanda could eventually compete for medals at future World Championships and even the Olympic Games.

The performances in Ghana have therefore not only brought pride to the nation but also strengthened belief that Rwanda’s athletics future is becoming increasingly promising on the international stage.

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Rwanda’s Minister of Sports, Nelly Mukazayire