The Summit of Commonwealth Heads of Government becomes hypothetical with the global health situation due to the coronavirus. It has been scheduled to take place in Kigali in June.
Until further notice, the Summit of Heads of Government of the 53 Commonwealth member countries is scheduled to take place in Kigali from 22 June at the Convention Centre. Rwanda, the host country, has prepared well.
Only this host country is facing a coronavirus pandemic. Developments in the health situation over the next few weeks could lead to the lifting of the population containment.
However, ending the confinement of the Rwandan population would not necessarily mean opening the borders to allow summit participants to enter Rwanda. Some member countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, South Africa, Kenya, Uganda and others are not in a position to participate in such a summit in Kigali under current conditions.
The Commonwealth Secretariat and the Government of Rwanda jointly issued a joint message on Tuesday that leaves some doubt as to whether the Summit will be held as originally planned.
The two institutions are “exploring options that would allow leaders to exchange views in a safe and secure environment. “Affirms the said message.
“A decision is expected shortly on the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting currently scheduled for Rwanda in June. “He said.
Two options seem more likely: postponement of the Summit or the organization of the videoconference.
Gérard Rugambwa
