President Paul Kagame has received a traditional Omani sword from Sultan Haitham bin Tarik, a ceremonial gift that carries deep cultural and diplomatic significance in Oman.
The sword was presented to Kagame on September 7 during a dinner hosted in his honour at Al Hosn Palace in Salalah, as the Rwandan president began a two-day state visit to Oman.
The two leaders also exchanged gifts symbolising the longstanding friendship between Rwanda and Oman. Kagame presented Sultan Haitham with a traditional Rwandan walking stick decorated with beads, while the Omani ruler gave him the sword.
The Omani sword is not merely a ceremonial souvenir. Swords have a prominent place in Oman’s history and culture, where they are associated with authority, honour, courage and sovereignty.
Oman’s national emblem features two crossed swords alongside the khanjar, a traditional curved dagger that is widely regarded as one of the country’s most recognisable cultural symbols.
The khanjar is traditionally made with silver and worn during weddings, national celebrations and other important occasions. UNESCO recognised the Omani khanjar as part of the country’s intangible cultural heritage in 2017.
A symbol of the Al Bu Said dynasty
The symbolism of the sword is also closely linked to the Al Bu Said dynasty, which has ruled Oman since 1744.
The dynasty was founded by Imam Ahmad bin Said Al Busaidi and remains the ruling house under Sultan Haitham.
Throughout Oman’s history, the sword has represented leadership, authority and the responsibility to protect the state and its people. Presenting one to a distinguished guest is therefore considered a gesture of respect and friendship.
A gift for distinguished leaders
While Oman has not publicly disclosed the specific history of the sword given to Kagame, Sultan Haitham has previously presented similar gifts to foreign leaders.
In 2022, King Philippe of Belgium received an Omani sword during his visit to the country. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, also received an Omani sword that year during an official ceremony involving the exchange of gifts and honours.
Kagame’s gift consequently carries significance beyond the ceremony itself, reflecting the importance Oman attaches to his visit and the strengthening ties between the two countries.
The visit is Kagame’s first to Oman as Rwanda’s president and is aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly in trade, investment, energy, transport and agriculture.
