Yembi was arrested on September 3, 2026, following the incident, according to Gabon’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation.

Videos circulating on social media show the lawmaker slapping a RwandAir employee at the airport. He is also seen confronting other people who approached as they attempted to intervene.

Gabonese Foreign Affairs Minister Marie Edith Tassyla-Ye-Doumbeneny said Yembi remained in detention for several days before Rwandan authorities authorised him to leave the country on September 6, 2026.

The minister said the decision took into account the close and friendly relations between Gabon and Rwanda, as well as the relationship between President Paul Kagame and his Gabonese counterpart, Brice Clotaire Oligui Nguema.

“Because of the special brotherly relationship between the Republic of Gabon and the Republic of Rwanda, as well as the friendship that continues to be strengthened between President Paul Kagame and his counterpart, Oligui Nguema, Rwanda authorised Augustin Lobelle Yembi to leave Rwandan territory,” she said.

However, Yembi is expected to face legal proceedings in Gabon after his return to Libreville.

The Gabonese Foreign Affairs Ministry said he would be handed over to the country’s judicial authorities upon arrival for further proceedings.