Regional
What hosting CHOGM means for Rwanda
During
the Common Wealth Heads of State Meeting (CHOGM) that took place in London, in
2018, Rwanda was chosen as the host of the 26th CHOGM which was
supposed to take place in 2020. However, the meeting was postponed due to disruptions
caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
Two
years later, the meeting is confirmed to take place from June 20 to 26. Lately,
40 Heads of State and Government have already confirmed they will attend.
Although Rwanda was not a British colony, and is
the newest entrant in the Commonwealth, choosing the country to host CHOGM is
first of all a show of confidence in Rwanda, its people and leadership.
The nation has the technical and logistic
capacity to successfully host this high level meeting. Rwanda, a country that
has gone through a dark history – the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi – has
also gone through a miraculous recovery process because no one expected such a
meeting to take place in Rwanda some few years ago.
Rwanda has come a long way. Rwandans are proud
that their country did not become a failed state just as those who committed
the genocide against the Tutsi, and their foreign backers, wanted it to be.
Rwanda, instead, gained recognition and acceptance as an equal partner not only
in the Commonwealth, but also in many other international fora.
When the
54 CHOGM member states convene in Kigali, under the theme “Delivering
a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming,” it will be a great
opportunity for networking and experience sharing that will help to learn from
each other and explore what can be done
together for a common future.
The
pandemic has taught the world that there is need for cooperation between
countries, rich or poor, in order to tackle global challenges like climate
change, cyber-crime, terrorism and many others. Finding solutions for issues that
affect global citizens such as unemployment, issues in education and healthcare
will also be of concern.
Rwanda has its own story to tell. A story of the rapid socio-economic
transformation in the last 28 years.
There is also a negative image of Rwanda usually hyped in Western
capitals, of “lack of democracy, human rights, all committed by the Rwanda
leader Paul Kagame.” This narrative is picked from Rwandan haters and amplified
to enormous dimensions. Rwanda is as a country that suffered a genocide, with enormous consequences. It is
naïve to say that the country faces no challenges. In fact, its challenges are bigger
than those of other countries that never experienced a similar history.
As is the case world over, there is no government that can
satisfy all its citizens as well as appeal to all foreigners. There are
external voices demonizing Rwanda for this and that.
Majority Rwandans are happy with what was achieved, and much
happier with their leadership under President Kagame for spearheading Rwanda’s
recovery and transformation. And they are optimistic about a better future with
continued hard work and resilience. Rwandans did not allow their country to be
a failed state. The same spirit has strengthened them not to be distracted by negative
critics.
CHOGM therefore, will provide an opportunity for those who
only heard about Rwanda to have a personal experience, and those who knew it,
to experience the positive change since they last visited.
Rwanda, often referred to as the land of a thousand hills,
has its capital city Kigali, feted as
the cleanest city in Africa. Rwanda is on an ambitious journey to catch up, to
win the war against poverty, and to be self-reliant. Rwanda will share its
experience on what has been achieved through employing un-conventional home grown
solutions in its social, political and
economic transformation.
Local and international investors in the hospitality industry
are tiding up their hotels and conference venues expecting to have a wide smile
as they walk to the banks at the end of the meeting. Their task though is not
easy as they are expected to offer their highest standards of service delivery
to the guests so that their stay in Rwanda becomes memorable.
Since most hotels and conference venues remained closed
during lockdowns due to Covid-19, it is estimated that the hospitality industry
lost about Frw 3 billion in revenue.
Tourism is the largest
source of foreign exchange earnings in Rwanda. The country has a
plan under the Visit Rwanda brand to attract high end tourists. According to figures from the Rwanda
Development Board (RDB), tourism revenues increased by 25 per cent from $131
million in 2020 to $164 million in 2021. Although the tourism
sector experienced some positive trend, the challenges due to Covid-19 led to
the loss of $10 million in revenue in March and April 2020, according to
Rwanda’s finance minister Uzziel Ndagijimana. CHOGM will present a windfall of more
than 5,000 guests, who are likely to
visit different touristic sceneries. These guests will have an opportunity to
experience the rich culture of Rwanda, through cultural shows and exhibitions.
Most
importantly, the long-awaited meeting will be an important occasion to come
together to address the challenges caused by the pandemic and to build on
innovative technological and economic opportunities to solve other key problems
facing citizens.
To all CHOGM guests, murakaza neza (you are
welcome) to the country of a thousand hills.