President Kagame Receives UN Road Safety Envoy Jean Todt and Oscar-Winning Actress Michelle Yeoh
On the afternoon of Friday, September 6, 2025, President Paul Kagame received the United Nations Special Envoy for Road Safety, Jean Todt, along with his wife, internationally acclaimed actress Michelle Yeoh.
Todt and Yeoh, who are also known for promoting UN Development Programme (UNDP) initiatives, visited Rwanda following the Gorilla Naming Ceremony held in Musanze District on September 5, 2025.
Jean Todt, a French national, is renowned for his long-standing career in motorsport. He served as President of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) from 2009 to 2021 and is celebrated for his tenure with Ferrari during Michael Schumacher’s championship-winning era. Since April 2015, Todt has been the UN Secretary-General’s Special Envoy for Road Safety.
Michelle Yeoh, Todt’s wife, is a Malaysian-born actress known for blockbuster films such as Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Memoirs of a Geisha, Crazy Rich Asians, and Everything Everywhere All at Once, which earned her an Academy Award in 2023. She has served as a bridge for Asian representation in Hollywood and is recognized globally for her contributions to cinema.
During the Musanze ceremony, Todt named a baby gorilla Ruvugiro, while Yeoh named another Rwogere.
Speaking about her choice, Yeoh said, “The name Rwogere reflects Rwanda’s internationally recognized leadership in environmental conservation and sustainable development.”
Todt explained that he chose the name Ruvugiro to symbolize how the naming ceremony serves as a platform to promote environmental conservation and community well-being. He added, “This ceremony demonstrates Rwanda’s progress in preserving the environment with active citizen involvement. Naming the gorillas shows how humans and wildlife can coexist, offering hope and setting an example beyond Rwanda’s borders.”
On September 6, 2025, Todt and Yeoh also participated in a road safety event in Gishushu, Gasabo District, where Todt highlighted the importance of newly painted road markings in reducing traffic accidents.
