Paul Kagame, TIME's Person of the Year 2026?
- By Elizabeth Sy
- Kigali
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According to a top source, the Rwandan president Paul Kagame is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2026. But while the political figure's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.
UPDATE 11/01/2026 : This story seems to be false. (read more)
Why not Kagame for Person of the Year?
The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 68-year-old political figure, as a 2026 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.
“What makes Kagame so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the political figure have already been named ‘Rwandan Of The Year’ by some major Rwandan newspapers and even ‘Tambwe Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Tambwe (Paul Kagame's hometown).
Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year
A representative for the political figure was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:
“Paul Kagame Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 10 Jan 2026
“Congrats! Paul has this charisma that seems to come out of nowhere.”
— @SamanthaJones, 10 Jan 2026
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Paul Kagame?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 10 Jan 2026
Could 2026 officially be the Year of Paul Kagame?
Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2026 Person of the Year.
Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2026?
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