Rwanda is set to host members of the Commonwealth at the 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM). It is the first to be held in Africa in over a decade.Rwanda after postponing twice due to the covid-19 pandemic. According to the people, from this big event, Rwandans are expecting benefits in all parts of development, such as in economy, solidarity…
This big event is usually held every two years and attended by the 54 countries, which are the commonwealth members. This time attendees including Monarchs, presidents, prime ministers, and others will be discussing this year’s theme: “Delivering a common future: Connecting, Innovating, and transforming”.
Many people in all corners mention the benefits of this meeting, which is considered a big event. Those benefits might be economic benefits, and social benefits, to mention but a few. Alain Mukurarinda, Deputy Government spokesperson is among those who have talked about the other benefits economically.
Mukurarinda said that 5000-6000 people would attend this meeting. Every person in one week will at least spend $ 1500 according to his calculations. He emphasizes that the above amount will be minimum, for people will spend according to how are financially stable. He said also that every Rwandan who is in every sector like from the hotel up to the agriculture sector would be benefiting from hosting those attendees.
“Job creation through the hospitality of those people is even shifting to the farmer who grows potatoes, peas, and tomatoes for we will need to feed these visitors,” he said. Murindahabi also said that there would be post-meeting benefits of international relationships and partnerships.
Nelly Mukazayire, the chief executive of the convention bureau, a division of the Rwanda development board added that Rwandans also would benefit from enjoying both new and repaired infrastructures, which were introduced for hosting CHOGM.
Gasake is one of many Rwandans who talked about the benefits of CHOGM to words Rwandans; he said that apart from the good reputation Rwandans would get but also Rwandans would share ideas and learn from each other CHOGM attendees.
The United Kingdom and Commonwealth officials emphasize that Rwandans and other people from different countries in the commonwealth will be benefiting from consuming values of the commonwealth including Democracy, respect for human rights, prosperity, and equality of people in the commonwealth, which is good for their future.
About the Commonwealth
Commonwealth is made up of 54 countries including 19 from Africa. Leaders of Commonwealth countries meet every two years since 1971, and a total of 24 meetings have been held. It is home to 2.5 billion people and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. Thirty-two of its members are small states, many of which are island nations.
The recent meeting was in UK, 2018. During CHOGM that takes place 20-26 June 2022 in Kigali, leaders will reaffirm their common values and agree on policies to improve the lives of all citizens. Leaders will also deal with issues including recovery from a covid-19 pandemic, climatic change, boosting trade, and promoting sustainable development.
By MUPENDA Joel
