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{{Infobox summit meeting
{{Infobox summit meeting
| summit_name = 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
| summit_name = 25th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
| other_titles = CHOGM 2022
| other_titles = CHOGM 2022
| image = CHOGM 2022 logo.svg
| image = CHOGM 2022 logo.svg
Line 14: Line 14:
| chairperson = [[Paul Kagame]], [[President of Rwanda]]
| chairperson = [[Paul Kagame]], [[President of Rwanda]]
| follows = [[2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting|2018]]
| follows = [[2018 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting|2018]]
| precedes = [[Next Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting|TBD]]
| precedes = [[2024 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting|2024]]
| keypoints = Election of Secretary-General, post-[[COVID-19]] recovery, health, Ukraine<ref>[https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9564/ CHOGM 2022 in Rwanda: Key issues - House of Commons Library]</ref>
| keypoints = Election of Secretary-General, post-[[COVID-19]] recovery, health, Ukraine<ref>[https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-9564/ CHOGM 2022 in Rwanda: Key issues - House of Commons Library]</ref>
| website = [https://www.chogm2022.rw www.chogm2022.rw]
| website = [https://www.chogm2022.rw www.chogm2022.rw]
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The '''2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting''', also known as '''CHOGM 2022''', was the 26th [[Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting|Meeting]] of the [[Commonwealth Heads of Government|Heads of Government]] of the [[Commonwealth of Nations]]. The meeting was originally scheduled for 26–27 June 2020 in [[Kigali]], Rwanda preceded by various fora between 22 and 25 June, but was postponed twice due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite news |title=CHOGM: Commonwealth heads of government meeting to hold June 2021 |url=https://editor.guardian.ng/?p=1227661 |accessdate=21 November 2020 |work=Guardian (Nigeria) |date=28 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129095504/https://guardian.ng/|archive-date=29 November 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> On 31 January 2022, it was announced that the meeting would be held on 24 and 25 June 2022 and the pre-meeting fora held from 20 to 23 June.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thecommonwealth.org/news/new-date-announced-commonwealth-heads-government-meeting|title=New date announced for Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting|website=Commonwealth}}</ref>
The '''2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting''', also known as '''CHOGM 2022''', was the 26th [[Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting|Meeting]] of the [[Commonwealth Heads of Government|Heads of Government]] of the [[Commonwealth of Nations]]. The meeting was originally scheduled for 26–27 June 2020 in [[Kigali]], Rwanda preceded by various fora between 22 and 25 June, but was postponed twice due to the [[COVID-19 pandemic]].<ref>{{cite news |title=CHOGM: Commonwealth heads of government meeting to hold June 2021 |url=https://editor.guardian.ng/?p=1227661 |accessdate=21 November 2020 |work=Guardian (Nigeria) |date=28 September 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129095504/https://guardian.ng/|archive-date=29 November 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> On 31 January 2022, it was announced that the meeting would be held on 24 and 25 June 2022 and the pre-meeting fora held from 20 to 23 June.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thecommonwealth.org/news/new-date-announced-commonwealth-heads-government-meeting|title=New date announced for Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting|website=Commonwealth}}</ref>


[[Charles III|Charles, Prince of Wales]] represented the [[Head of the Commonwealth]], [[Queen Elizabeth II]], at the summit. The Queen [[Death and state funeral of Elizabeth II|died less than three months later]], on September 8, 2022.
[[Charles, Prince of Wales]], represented the [[Head of the Commonwealth]], [[Queen Elizabeth II]], at the summit. The Queen [[Death and state funeral of Elizabeth II|died less than three months later]], on 8 September 2022.


==Background==
==Background==
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is a pivotal agenda-setting and decision-making space for the diverse community of 56 [[Member states of the Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth countries]]. With varying economic statuses and vast oceans between them, the leaders meet every two years to explore how they can pool their resources and innovations to transform joint challenges into exciting opportunities. The 2022 CHOGM is scheduled to be held in [[Rwanda]]. It will be the first Commonwealth Summit<ref>{{Cite news |last=CHOGM |first=Rwanda |date= 2022 |title=CHOGM Rwanda 2022 |url=https://www.chogm2022.rw/ |access-date=23 March 2022}}</ref> held in a country that is not a former [[British colony]] or [[British dominion|dominion]] or the [[United Kingdom]] itself.
The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is a pivotal agenda-setting and decision-making space for the diverse community of 56 [[Member states of the Commonwealth of Nations|Commonwealth countries]]. The 2022 CHOGM was scheduled to be held in [[Rwanda]]. It was the first Commonwealth Summit<ref>{{Cite news |last=CHOGM |first=Rwanda |date= 2022 |title=CHOGM Rwanda 2022 |url=https://www.chogm2022.rw/ |access-date=23 March 2022}}</ref> held in a country that is not a former [[British colony]] or [[British dominion|dominion]] or the [[United Kingdom]] itself.


On 8 May 2021, the CHOGM was postponed <ref>{{Cite news |title=Commonwealth heads of government talks postponed again due to Covid-19 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/commonwealth-heads-of-government-talks-postponed-again-due-to-covid-19 |access-date=23 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508124454/https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/commonwealth-heads-of-government-talks-postponed-again-due-to-covid-19 |archive-date=8 May 2021 |url-status=dead}}</ref> by President [[Paul Kagame]] of Rwanda and Commonwealth secretary-general [[Patricia Scotland]] a second time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kagire |first1=Edmund |title=What President Kagame Said About The Postponement Of CHOGM 2021 |url=https://www.ktpress.rw/2021/05/what-president-kagame-said-about-the-postponement-of-chogm-2021/ |access-date=23 May 2021 |work=[[KT Press]] |date=8 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508022031/https://www.ktpress.rw/2021/05/what-president-kagame-said-about-the-postponement-of-chogm-2021/ |archive-date=8 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 8 May 2021, the CHOGM was postponed<ref>{{Cite news |title=Commonwealth heads of government talks postponed again due to Covid-19 |work=[[The Straits Times]] |url=https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/commonwealth-heads-of-government-talks-postponed-again-due-to-covid-19 |access-date=23 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508124454/https://www.straitstimes.com/world/europe/commonwealth-heads-of-government-talks-postponed-again-due-to-covid-19 |archive-date=8 May 2021 |url-status=dead}}</ref> by President [[Paul Kagame]] of Rwanda and Commonwealth secretary-general [[Patricia Scotland]] a second time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Kagire |first1=Edmund |title=What President Kagame Said About The Postponement Of CHOGM 2021 |url=https://www.ktpress.rw/2021/05/what-president-kagame-said-about-the-postponement-of-chogm-2021/ |access-date=23 May 2021 |work=[[KT Press]] |date=8 May 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508022031/https://www.ktpress.rw/2021/05/what-president-kagame-said-about-the-postponement-of-chogm-2021/ |archive-date=8 May 2021|url-status=live}}</ref>


On 31 January 2022, Kagame and Scotland announced that the CHOGM will be held in the week of 20 June 2022,<ref>{{Cite news |last=CHOGM |first=CHOGM |date=31 January 2022 |title=New date announced for Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting |pages=1–2 |work=The Commonwealth |url=https://thecommonwealth.org/news/new-date-announced-commonwealth-heads-government-meeting#:~:text=Hon.,of%20the%20COVID%2D19%20pandemic. |access-date=31 January 2022}}</ref> following agreement by all member countries of the Commonwealth.
On 31 January 2022, Kagame and Scotland announced that the CHOGM will be held in the week of 20 June 2022,<ref>{{Cite news |last=CHOGM |first=CHOGM |date=31 January 2022 |title=New date announced for Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting |pages=1–2 |work=The Commonwealth |url=https://thecommonwealth.org/news/new-date-announced-commonwealth-heads-government-meeting#:~:text=Hon.,of%20the%20COVID%2D19%20pandemic. |access-date=31 January 2022}}</ref> following agreement by all member countries of the Commonwealth.


==Attendees==
==Themes and agenda==
Of the 53 Commonwealth member countries, 50 countries sent an official representative while 3 countries - [[Grenada]], [[Kiribati]] and [[Nauru]] did not send any official representative or delegation. 14 countries were represented by their respective heads of state including the reigning monarchs from Brunei and Eswatini, 18 countries by their respective heads of government, 4 countries by their respective deputy heads of state or deputy heads of government, 10 countries by ministerial representatives while 4 countries sent their respective diplomats or special envoys. The Commonwealth was represented by the [[Charles, Prince of Wales|Prince of Wales]] on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II, the Head of the Commonwealth and by [[Patricia Scotland]], the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.
{{expand section|content from [https://thecommonwealth.org/chogm#schedule here]|small=no|date=June 2022}}


Maldives, represented by its President [[Ibrahim Mohamed Solih]] attended its first summit since re-joining the Commonwealth in 2018.
⚫
The position of [[Commonwealth Chair-in-Office]], held by the government leader of the CHOGM host country, was transferred at the summit from the [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom]] to the [[President of Rwanda]], who will hold the post until the 27th CHOGM to be held in [[Samoa]] and which was initially scheduled for 2022.<ref name=comm>{{cite web|title=Our History|url=https://thecommonwealth.org/about-us/history|website=The Commonwealth|publisher=[[Commonwealth of Nations]]|accessdate=25 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113215615/https://thecommonwealth.org/about-us/history|archive-date=13 November 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>


*{{flagicon|Commonwealth}} [[Prince Charles, Prince of Wales]] ''representing Queen Elizabeth II, Head of the Commonwealth''
⚫
Ahead of the meeting, ministers of parliament, youth and gender activists, and representatives from civil society and commerce convened special forums<ref>{{Cite news |title=CHOGM Forums |url=https://www.chogm2022.rw/forums/}}</ref> to ensure the consideration of key concerns and perspectives of women, young people, businesses and non-governmental organisations in leaders' decision-making.
*{{flagicon|Commonwealth}} [[Patricia Scotland]], Secretary-General of the Commonwealth
*{{flagicon|Antigua and Barbuda}} [[Gaston Browne]], Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda
*{{flagicon|Australia}} [[Richard Marles]], Deputy Prime Minister of Australia
*{{flagicon|Bahamas}} [[Philip Davis (Bahamian politician)|Philip Davis]], Prime Minister of the Bahamas
*{{flagicon|Bangladesh}} [[AK Abdul Momen]], Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh
*{{flagicon|Barbados}} [[Kerrie Symmonds]], Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Barbados
*{{flagicon|Belize}} [[Johnny Briceño]], Prime Minister of Belize
*{{flagicon|Botswana}} [[Mokgweetsi Masisi]], President of Botswana
*{{flagicon|Brunei}} Sultan [[Hassanal Bolkiah]], Sultan and Prime Minister of Brunei
*{{flagicon|Cameroon}} [[Joseph Ngute]], Prime Minister of Cameroon
*{{flagicon|Canada}} [[Justin Trudeau]], Prime Minister of Canada
*{{flagicon|Cyprus}} [[Ioannis Kasoulides]], Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cyprus
*{{flagicon|Dominica}} [[Roosevelt Skerrit]], Prime Minister of Dominica
*{{flagicon|Eswatini}} King [[Mswati III]], King of Eswatini
*{{flagicon|Fiji}} Jitoko Tikolevu, High Commissioner of Fiji to the United Kingdom
*{{flagicon|Gambia}} [[Badara Joof]], Vice President of The Gambia
*{{flagicon|Ghana}} [[Nana Akufo-Addo]], President of Ghana
*{{flagicon|Guyana}} [[Mohamed Irfaan Ali]], President of Guyana
*{{flagicon|India}} Dr. [[S. Jaishankar]], Minister of External Affairs of India
*{{flagicon|Jamaica}} [[Andrew Holness]], Prime Minister of Jamaica
*{{flagicon|Kenya}} [[Uhuru Kenyatta]], President of Kenya
*{{flagicon|Lesotho}} [[Moeketsi Majoro]], Prime Minister of Lesotho
*{{flagicon|Malawi}} [[Nancy Tembo]], Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malawi
*{{flagicon|Malaysia}} Dato' Sri [[Saifuddin Abdullah]], Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia
*{{flagicon|Maldives}} [[Ibrahim Mohamed Solih]], President of the Maldives
*{{flagicon|Malta}} [[Chris Fearne]], Deputy Prime Minister of Malta
*{{flagicon|Mauritius}} [[Pravind Jugnauth]], Prime Minister of Mauritius
*{{flagicon|Mozambique}} [[Adriano Maleiane]], Prime Minister of Mozambique
*{{flagicon|Namibia}} [[Hage Geingob]], President of Namibia
*{{flagicon|New Zealand}} [[Nanaia Mahuta]], Minister of Foreign Affairs of New Zealand
*{{flagicon|Nigeria}} [[Muhammadu Buhari]], President of Nigeria
*{{flagicon|Pakistan}} [[Hina Rabbani Khar]], Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of Pakistan
*{{flagicon|Papua New Guinea}} [[Winnie Kiap]], High Commissioner of Papua New Guinea to the United Kingdom
*{{flagicon|Rwanda}} [[Paul Kagame]], President of Rwanda '''''(Chair)'''''
*{{flagicon|Saint Lucia}} [[Philip J. Pierre]], Prime Minister of Saint Lucia
*{{flagicon|Saint Vincent and the Grenadines}} [[Camillo Gonsalves]], Minister of Finance, Economic Planning and Information Technology of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
*{{flagicon|Samoa}} [[Fiamē Naomi Mataʻafa]], Prime Minister of Samoa
*{{flagicon|Seychelles}} [[Wavel Ramkalawan]], President of the Seychelles
*{{flagicon|Sierra Leone}} [[Julius Maada Bio]], President of Sierra Leone
*{{flagicon|Singapore}} [[Lee Hsien Loong]], Prime Minister of Singapore
*{{flagicon|Solomon Islands}} Colin Beck, Permanent Secretary for Foreign Affairs and External Trade of the Solomon Islands
*{{flagicon|South Africa}} [[Naledi Pandor]], Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa
*{{flagicon|Sri Lanka}} Professor [[G. L. Peiris]], Minister of Foreign Affairs of Sri Lanka
*{{flagicon|Tanzania}} [[Philip Mpango]], Vice President of Tanzania
*{{flagicon|Tonga}} [[Siaosi Sovaleni]], Prime Minister of Tonga
*{{flagicon|Trinidad and Tobago}} Amery Browne, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago
*{{flagicon|Tuvalu}} [[Simon Kofe]], Minister of Justice, Communications and Foreign Affairs of Tuvalu
*{{flagicon|Uganda}} [[Yoweri Museveni]], President of Uganda
*{{flagicon|United Kingdom}} [[Boris Johnson]], Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
*{{flagicon|Vanuatu}} Georges Maniuri, Ambassador of Vanuatu to Europe
*{{flagicon|Zambia}} [[Hakainde Hichilema]], President of Zambia


==Agenda==
The theme for the meeting was 'Delivering A Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming'. Five sub-themes have been identified for discussion: Governance and Rule of Law, ICT & Innovation, Youth, Environment and Trade.
⚫
In his speech at the opening ceremony, [[Charles, Prince of Wales]] said that the decision for [[Commonwealth realms]] as to whether to remain a monarchy, or become a [[Republics in the Commonwealth of Nations|republic]], were purely a matter for each member country to decide, and suggested that changes can be made "calmly and without rancour".<ref>{{cite web |date=24 June 2022 |title=Charles to tell Commonwealth leaders becoming a republic 'is their own decision' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/charles-boris-johnson-commonwealth-rwanda-kigali-b2108385.html |access-date=24 June 2022 |website=[[The Independent]]}}</ref>


⚫
The position of [[Commonwealth Chair-in-Office]], held by the government leader of the CHOGM host country, was transferred at the summit from the [[Prime Minister of the United Kingdom]] to the [[President of Rwanda]], who will hold the post until the 27th CHOGM to be held in [[Samoa]] and which was initially scheduled for 2022.<ref name="comm">{{cite web|title=Our History|url=https://thecommonwealth.org/about-us/history|website=The Commonwealth|publisher=[[Commonwealth of Nations]]|accessdate=25 November 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113215615/https://thecommonwealth.org/about-us/history|archive-date=13 November 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>
Leaders discussed ways the contemporary Commonwealth can transform societies, in accordance with Commonwealth Charter values of democracy, multilateralism, sustainable development, and empowerment of women and youth.<ref name="kigali">{{cite news |date=25 September 2019 |title=Rwanda Confirms Hosting Of CHOGM In 2020 |work=[[East African Business Week]] |url=https://www.busiweek.com/rwanda-confirms-hosting-of-chogm-in-2020/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024121045/https://www.busiweek.com/rwanda-confirms-hosting-of-chogm-in-2020/ |archive-date=24 October 2020 |accessdate=14 November 2019}}</ref> The Commonwealth Women's Forum discussed actions for promoting gender equality.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Only by coming together as a Commonwealth family, can we achieve gender equality: the final day of the Commonwealth Women’s Forum |url=https://thecommonwealth.org/news/only-coming-together-commonwealth-family-can-we-achieve-gender-equality-final |access-date=2022-10-07 |website=Commonwealth |language=en}}</ref> Ministers discussed ways of improving the resilience of small states, resulting in several Commonwealth nations being declared "Commonwealth Small States Advocacy Champions whose role is to galvanise support for the Advocacy Strategy" and the "Launch of the Commonwealth Virtual Centre for Small States (VCSS), a tailor-made platform which connects Commonwealth Small States Offices in New York, Geneva and the [[Commonwealth Secretariat]]."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ministers call for greater international action to strengthen the resilience of Small States |url=https://thecommonwealth.org/news/ministers-call-greater-international-action-strengthen-resilience-small-states |access-date=2022-10-07 |website=Commonwealth |language=en}}</ref> Youth delegates presented a series of recommendations for Commonwealth heads of government, including increased taxes on industrial polluters and more support for youth-led start-up businesses.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Increased taxes for industrial polluters and more support for youth-led start-ups among recommendations for governments from youth |url=https://thecommonwealth.org/news/increased-taxes-industrial-polluters-and-more-support-youth-led-start-ups-among |access-date=2022-10-07 |website=Commonwealth |language=en}}</ref> The Commonwealth Secretariat and the NO MORE foundation launched new guidelines for combatting violence against women and girls within the Commonwealth.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Commonwealth leaders come together to respond to increase in violence against women and girls |url=https://thecommonwealth.org/news/commonwealth-leaders-come-together-respond-increase-violence-against-women-and |access-date=2022-10-07 |website=Commonwealth |language=en}}</ref> Commonwealth leaders and senior officials support for a non-binding charter on climate change, biodiversity and land degredation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Commonwealth leaders line up to support action on ‘living lands’ |url=https://thecommonwealth.org/news/commonwealth-leaders-line-support-action-living-lands |access-date=2022-10-07 |website=Commonwealth |language=en}}</ref>


The theme for the meeting was 'Delivering A Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming'. Five sub-themes have been identified for discussion: Governance and Rule of Law, ICT & Innovation, Youth, Environment and Trade. Leaders discussed ways the contemporary Commonwealth can transform societies, in accordance with Commonwealth Charter values of democracy, multilateralism, sustainable development, and empowerment of women and youth.<ref name="kigali">{{cite news |date=25 September 2019 |title=Rwanda Confirms Hosting Of CHOGM In 2020 |work=[[East African Business Week]] |url=https://www.busiweek.com/rwanda-confirms-hosting-of-chogm-in-2020/ |url-status=live |accessdate=14 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201024121045/https://www.busiweek.com/rwanda-confirms-hosting-of-chogm-in-2020/ |archive-date=24 October 2020}}</ref>
⚫
In his speech at the opening ceremony, [[Charles, Prince of Wales]] said that the decision for [[Commonwealth realms]] as to whether to remain a monarchy, or become a [[Republics in the Commonwealth of Nations|republic]], were purely a matter for each member country to decide, and suggested that changes can be made "calmly and without rancour".<ref>{{cite web |title=Charles to tell Commonwealth leaders becoming a republic 'is their own decision' |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/charles-boris-johnson-commonwealth-rwanda-kigali-b2108385.html |website=[[The Independent]] |date=24 June 2022 |access-date=24 June 2022}}</ref>

⚫
Ahead of the meeting, ministers of parliament, youth and gender activists, and representatives from civil society and commerce convened special forums<ref>{{Cite news |title=CHOGM Forums |url=https://www.chogm2022.rw/forums/}}</ref> to ensure the consideration of key concerns and perspectives of women, young people, businesses and non-governmental organisations in leaders' decision-making.{{expand section|content from [https://thecommonwealth.org/chogm#schedule here]|small=no|date=June 2022}}

=== Environment ===
Commonwealth leaders and senior officials expressed support for a non-binding charter on climate change, biodiversity and land degradation.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Commonwealth leaders line up to support action on 'living lands' |url=https://thecommonwealth.org/news/commonwealth-leaders-line-support-action-living-lands |access-date=2022-10-07 |website=Commonwealth |language=en}}</ref>

=== Small states ===
Ministers discussed ways of improving the resilience of small states, resulting in several Commonwealth nations being declared "Commonwealth Small States Advocacy Champions whose role is to galvanise support for the Advocacy Strategy" and the "Launch of the Commonwealth Virtual Centre for Small States (VCSS), a tailor-made platform which connects Commonwealth Small States Offices in New York, Geneva and the [[Commonwealth Secretariat]]."<ref>{{Cite web |title=Ministers call for greater international action to strengthen the resilience of Small States |url=https://thecommonwealth.org/news/ministers-call-greater-international-action-strengthen-resilience-small-states |access-date=2022-10-07 |website=Commonwealth |language=en}}</ref>

=== Women's rights and safety ===
The Commonwealth Women's Forum discussed actions for promoting gender equality.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Only by coming together as a Commonwealth family, can we achieve gender equality: the final day of the Commonwealth Women's Forum |url=https://thecommonwealth.org/news/only-coming-together-commonwealth-family-can-we-achieve-gender-equality-final |access-date=2022-10-07 |website=Commonwealth |language=en}}</ref> The Commonwealth Secretariat and the NO MORE foundation launched new guidelines for combatting violence against women and girls within the Commonwealth.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Commonwealth leaders come together to respond to increase in violence against women and girls |url=https://thecommonwealth.org/news/commonwealth-leaders-come-together-respond-increase-violence-against-women-and |access-date=2022-10-07 |website=Commonwealth |language=en}}</ref>

=== Youth ===
Youth delegates presented a series of recommendations for Commonwealth heads of government, including increased taxes on industrial polluters and more support for youth-led start-up businesses.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Increased taxes for industrial polluters and more support for youth-led start-ups among recommendations for governments from youth |url=https://thecommonwealth.org/news/increased-taxes-industrial-polluters-and-more-support-youth-led-start-ups-among |access-date=2022-10-07 |website=Commonwealth |language=en}}</ref>


==Secretary-General election==
==Secretary-General election==
There was an attempt by the United Kingdom to deny [[Patricia Scotland]] a second term as [[Commonwealth Secretary-General]]<ref>{{cite news |title=UK fronts Kenya's Amina in Commonwealth top job |url=https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/ea/UK-fronts-Amina-in-Commonwealth-top-job/4552908-5465404-r08b7pz/index.html |accessdate=27 February 2020 |work=[[The East African]] |date=22 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521031747/https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/ea/UK-fronts-Amina-in-Commonwealth-top-job/4552908-5465404-r08b7pz/index.html|archive-date=24 October 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> The British government rejected an attempt in 2020 to automatically appoint Scotland to a second term and has reportedly lost confidence in her due to allegations about her leadership style and spending while in office. [[Kenya]]n defence minister [[Monica Juma]] was nominated in August 2021 for the position of Secretary-General by Kenyan president [[Uhuru Kenyatta]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wintour |first1=Patrick |title=Lady Scotland faces challenge for top Commonwealth role |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/aug/31/lady-scotland-faces-challenge-for-top-commonwealth-role |access-date=7 September 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=31 August 2021}}</ref> She withdrew her candidacy in February 2021, saying she did not want her candidacy to further divide the Commonwealth.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kenya's Dr Monica Juma quits race for Commonwealth Secretary-General |url=https://www.sabcnews.com/kenyas-dr-monica-juma-quits-race-for-commonwealth-secretary-general/ |access-date=16 April 2022 |work=SABC News |date=22 February 2022}}</ref>
There was an attempt by the United Kingdom to deny [[Patricia Scotland]] a second term as [[Commonwealth Secretary-General]].<ref>{{cite news |title=UK fronts Kenya's Amina in Commonwealth top job |url=https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/ea/UK-fronts-Amina-in-Commonwealth-top-job/4552908-5465404-r08b7pz/index.html |accessdate=27 February 2020 |work=[[The East African]] |date=22 February 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200521031747/https://www.theeastafrican.co.ke/news/ea/UK-fronts-Amina-in-Commonwealth-top-job/4552908-5465404-r08b7pz/index.html|archive-date=21 May 2020|url-status=live}}</ref> The British government rejected an attempt in 2020 to automatically appoint Scotland to a second term and has reportedly lost confidence in her due to allegations about her leadership style and spending while in office. [[Kenya]]n defence minister [[Monica Juma]] was nominated in August 2021 for the position of Secretary-General by Kenyan president [[Uhuru Kenyatta]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Wintour |first1=Patrick |title=Lady Scotland faces challenge for top Commonwealth role |url=https://www.theguardian.com/politics/2021/aug/31/lady-scotland-faces-challenge-for-top-commonwealth-role |access-date=7 September 2021 |work=The Guardian |date=31 August 2021}}</ref> She withdrew her candidacy in February 2021, saying she did not want her candidacy to further divide the Commonwealth.<ref>{{cite news |title=Kenya's Dr Monica Juma quits race for Commonwealth Secretary-General |url=https://www.sabcnews.com/kenyas-dr-monica-juma-quits-race-for-commonwealth-secretary-general/ |access-date=16 April 2022 |work=SABC News |date=22 February 2022 |archive-date=7 April 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407143720/https://www.sabcnews.com/kenyas-dr-monica-juma-quits-race-for-commonwealth-secretary-general/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>


In April 2022, [[Jamaica]] nominated its foreign minister, [[Kamina Johnson Smith]], as a candidate for Secretary-General, prompting criticism from other Caribbean states that are backing Lady Scotland's re-election.<ref>{{cite news |title=Commonwealth rift in Caribbean as re-election of Lady Scotland challenged |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/13/jamaica-challenge-commonwealth-secretary-general-re-election |access-date=16 April 2022 |work=The Guardian |date=13 April 2022}}</ref>
In April 2022, [[Jamaica]] nominated its foreign minister, [[Kamina Johnson Smith]], as a candidate for Secretary-General, prompting criticism from other Caribbean states that are backing Lady Scotland's re-election.<ref>{{cite news |title=Commonwealth rift in Caribbean as re-election of Lady Scotland challenged |url=https://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/apr/13/jamaica-challenge-commonwealth-secretary-general-re-election |access-date=16 April 2022 |work=The Guardian |date=13 April 2022}}</ref>
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==Human Rights in Rwanda==
==Human Rights in Rwanda==
The [[Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.humanrightsinitiative.org/sitesearch?submit=submit&q=Rwanda|title=Rwanda, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative|access-date=27 July 2021}}</ref> [[Human Rights Watch]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/africa/rwanda|title=Human Rights Watch, Rwanda country page|access-date=27 July 2021}}</ref> and [[Freedom House]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://freedomhouse.org/country/rwanda|title=Freedom House, Rwanda country profile|access-date=27 July 2021}}</ref> have all found that the protection of democracy and [[human rights in Rwanda]] have declined since the country joined the Commonwealth in 2009. There have been calls<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://africanarguments.org/2021/05/the-commonwealth-must-call-for-reforms-in-rwanda-chogm/|title=The Commonwealth must call for reforms in Rwanda, African Arguments|date=6 May 2021 |access-date=27 July 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/commentisfree/2021/jun/01/my-story-proves-rwandas-lack-of-respect-for-good-governance-and-human-rights|title=My story proves Rwanda's lack of respect for good governance and human rights, Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, The Guardian 1 June 2021|website=[[TheGuardian.com]] |date=June 2021 |access-date=27 July 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ianbirrell.com/the-dictator-who-fooled-us/|title=The dictator who fooled us, Ian Birrell|access-date=27 July 2021}}</ref> for the Commonwealth to stand up for democracy and [[human rights in Rwanda]] at the 2022 CHOGM.
The [[Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.humanrightsinitiative.org/sitesearch?submit=submit&q=Rwanda|title=Rwanda, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative|access-date=27 July 2021}}</ref> [[Human Rights Watch]],<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hrw.org/africa/rwanda|title=Human Rights Watch, Rwanda country page|access-date=27 July 2021}}</ref> and [[Freedom House]]<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://freedomhouse.org/country/rwanda|title=Freedom House, Rwanda country profile|access-date=27 July 2021}}</ref> have all found that the protection of democracy and [[human rights in Rwanda]] have declined since the country joined the Commonwealth in 2009. There had been calls<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://africanarguments.org/2021/05/the-commonwealth-must-call-for-reforms-in-rwanda-chogm/|title=The Commonwealth must call for reforms in Rwanda, African Arguments|date=6 May 2021 |access-date=27 July 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/commentisfree/2021/jun/01/my-story-proves-rwandas-lack-of-respect-for-good-governance-and-human-rights|title=My story proves Rwanda's lack of respect for good governance and human rights, Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, The Guardian 1 June 2021|website=[[TheGuardian.com]] |date=June 2021 |access-date=27 July 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.ianbirrell.com/the-dictator-who-fooled-us/|title=The dictator who fooled us, Ian Birrell|access-date=27 July 2021}}</ref> for the Commonwealth to stand up for democracy and [[human rights in Rwanda]] at the 2022 CHOGM.


Such calls have included for Commonwealth governments to pressure CHOGM 2022 host Rwanda to free [[human rights defender]] [[Paul Rusesabagina]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.blackstarnews.com/global-politics/africa/commonwealth-leaders-asked-to-demand-that-kagame-free|title=COMMONWEALTH LEADERS ASKED TO DEMAND THAT KAGAME FREE RUSESABAGINA, "HOTEL RWANDA" HERO, Black Star|access-date=13 April 2022}}</ref> The [[United Nations|UN]] [[Working Group on Arbitrary Detention]] found on 18 March 2022 that he had been illegally kidnapped, tortured, and sentenced after an unfair trial. The Working Group stated that: "It is clear on the facts that Mr. Rusesabagina has been targeted by the Government on account of his work as a human rights defender, because of his criticism of the Government on a broad range of human rights issues, including unfair elections and a lack of democracy, freedom of speech, freedom of association and freedom of the press. He has also challenged cases of arbitrary detention, torture and extrajudicial killings.’’<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/2022-03/A-HRC-WGAD-2021-81-Rwanda-AEV.pdf|title=Opinion No. 81/2021 concerning Paul Rusesabagina (Rwanda), UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention|access-date=13 April 2022}}</ref> The Working Group called on the Government “to release Mr. Rusesabagina immediately and accord him an enforceable right to compensation and other reparations, in accordance with international law’’ and “to ensure a full and independent investigation of the circumstances surrounding the arbitrary deprivation of liberty of Mr. Rusesabagina and to take appropriate measures against those responsible for the violation of his rights.”
Such calls have included for Commonwealth governments to pressure CHOGM 2022 host Rwanda to free [[human rights defender]] [[Paul Rusesabagina]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.blackstarnews.com/global-politics/africa/commonwealth-leaders-asked-to-demand-that-kagame-free|title=COMMONWEALTH LEADERS ASKED TO DEMAND THAT KAGAME FREE RUSESABAGINA, "HOTEL RWANDA" HERO, Black Star|date=11 November 2021 |access-date=13 April 2022}}</ref> The [[United Nations|UN]] [[Working Group on Arbitrary Detention]] found on 18 March 2022 that he had been illegally kidnapped, tortured, and sentenced after an unfair trial. The Working Group stated that: "It is clear on the facts that Mr. Rusesabagina has been targeted by the Government on account of his work as a human rights defender, because of his criticism of the Government on a broad range of human rights issues, including unfair elections and a lack of democracy, freedom of speech, freedom of association and freedom of the press. He has also challenged cases of arbitrary detention, torture and extrajudicial killings."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.ohchr.org/sites/default/files/2022-03/A-HRC-WGAD-2021-81-Rwanda-AEV.pdf|title=Opinion No. 81/2021 concerning Paul Rusesabagina (Rwanda), UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention|access-date=13 April 2022}}</ref> The Working Group called on the Government "to release Mr. Rusesabagina immediately and accord him an enforceable right to compensation and other reparations, in accordance with international law" and "to ensure a full and independent investigation of the circumstances surrounding the arbitrary deprivation of liberty of Mr. Rusesabagina and to take appropriate measures against those responsible for the violation of his rights."


Rusesabagina’s family welcomed the Working Group’s finding, and were “hopeful that the world will listen to this call by the United Nations and put pressure on Rwanda to immediately free our father and husband”.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rfkhumanrights.org/press/un-confirms-that-rwandan-authorities-abducted-and-are-arbitrarily-detaining-paul-rusesabagina|title=UN CONFIRMS THAT RWANDAN AUTHORITIES ABDUCTED AND ARE ARBITRARILY DETAINING PAUL RUSESABAGINA, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights|access-date=13 April 2022}}</ref>
Rusesabagina's family welcomed the Working Group's finding, and were "hopeful that the world will listen to this call by the United Nations and put pressure on Rwanda to immediately free our father and husband."<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://rfkhumanrights.org/press/un-confirms-that-rwandan-authorities-abducted-and-are-arbitrarily-detaining-paul-rusesabagina|title=UN CONFIRMS THAT RWANDAN AUTHORITIES ABDUCTED AND ARE ARBITRARILY DETAINING PAUL RUSESABAGINA, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights|access-date=13 April 2022}}</ref>


==Togo and Gabon==
==Togo and Gabon==
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{{Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings}}
{{Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings}}


[[Category:Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings|1989]]
[[Category:Commonwealth Heads of Government Meetings|2022]]
[[Category:Diplomatic conferences in Rwanda]]
[[Category:Diplomatic conferences in Rwanda]]
[[Category:21st-century diplomatic conferences]]
[[Category:21st-century diplomatic conferences (Commonwealth)]]
[[Category:2020 conferences|Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting]]
[[Category:2020 conferences|Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting]]
[[Category:2022 conferences|Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting]]
[[Category:2022 conferences|Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting]]
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[[Category:Rwanda and the Commonwealth of Nations]]
[[Category:Rwanda and the Commonwealth of Nations]]
[[Category:Events postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic|Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, 2021]]
[[Category:Events postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic|Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, 2021]]
[[Category:June 2022 events in Africa]]

Latest revision as of 16:16, 12 June 2024

25th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
CHOGM 2022
Host country Ruanda
Dates24–25 June 2022
Venue(s)Kigali Convention Centre
CitiesKigali
ChairPaul Kagame, President of Rwanda
Folgt2018
Precedes2024
Websitewww.chogm2022.rw
Key points
Election of Secretary-General, post-COVID-19 recovery, health, Ukraine[1]

The 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, also known as CHOGM 2022, was the 26th Meeting of the Heads of Government of the Commonwealth of Nations. The meeting was originally scheduled for 26–27 June 2020 in Kigali, Rwanda preceded by various fora between 22 and 25 June, but was postponed twice due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[2] On 31 January 2022, it was announced that the meeting would be held on 24 and 25 June 2022 and the pre-meeting fora held from 20 to 23 June.[3]

Charles, Prince of Wales, represented the Head of the Commonwealth, Queen Elizabeth II, at the summit. The Queen died less than three months later, on 8 September 2022.

Background

[edit]

The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) is a pivotal agenda-setting and decision-making space for the diverse community of 56 Commonwealth countries. The 2022 CHOGM was scheduled to be held in Rwanda. It was the first Commonwealth Summit[4] held in a country that is not a former British colony or dominion or the United Kingdom itself.

On 8 May 2021, the CHOGM was postponed[5] by President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and Commonwealth secretary-general Patricia Scotland a second time due to the COVID-19 pandemic.[6]

On 31 January 2022, Kagame and Scotland announced that the CHOGM will be held in the week of 20 June 2022,[7] following agreement by all member countries of the Commonwealth.

Attendees

[edit]

Of the 53 Commonwealth member countries, 50 countries sent an official representative while 3 countries - Grenada, Kiribati and Nauru did not send any official representative or delegation. 14 countries were represented by their respective heads of state including the reigning monarchs from Brunei and Eswatini, 18 countries by their respective heads of government, 4 countries by their respective deputy heads of state or deputy heads of government, 10 countries by ministerial representatives while 4 countries sent their respective diplomats or special envoys. The Commonwealth was represented by the Prince of Wales on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II, the Head of the Commonwealth and by Patricia Scotland, the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

Maldives, represented by its President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih attended its first summit since re-joining the Commonwealth in 2018.

Agenda

[edit]

In his speech at the opening ceremony, Charles, Prince of Wales said that the decision for Commonwealth realms as to whether to remain a monarchy, or become a republic, were purely a matter for each member country to decide, and suggested that changes can be made "calmly and without rancour".[8]

The position of Commonwealth Chair-in-Office, held by the government leader of the CHOGM host country, was transferred at the summit from the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom to the President of Rwanda, who will hold the post until the 27th CHOGM to be held in Samoa and which was initially scheduled for 2022.[9]

The theme for the meeting was 'Delivering A Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming'. Five sub-themes have been identified for discussion: Governance and Rule of Law, ICT & Innovation, Youth, Environment and Trade. Leaders discussed ways the contemporary Commonwealth can transform societies, in accordance with Commonwealth Charter values of democracy, multilateralism, sustainable development, and empowerment of women and youth.[10]

Ahead of the meeting, ministers of parliament, youth and gender activists, and representatives from civil society and commerce convened special forums[11] to ensure the consideration of key concerns and perspectives of women, young people, businesses and non-governmental organisations in leaders' decision-making.

Environment

[edit]

Commonwealth leaders and senior officials expressed support for a non-binding charter on climate change, biodiversity and land degradation.[12]

Small states

[edit]

Ministers discussed ways of improving the resilience of small states, resulting in several Commonwealth nations being declared "Commonwealth Small States Advocacy Champions whose role is to galvanise support for the Advocacy Strategy" and the "Launch of the Commonwealth Virtual Centre for Small States (VCSS), a tailor-made platform which connects Commonwealth Small States Offices in New York, Geneva and the Commonwealth Secretariat."[13]

Women's rights and safety

[edit]

The Commonwealth Women's Forum discussed actions for promoting gender equality.[14] The Commonwealth Secretariat and the NO MORE foundation launched new guidelines for combatting violence against women and girls within the Commonwealth.[15]

Youth

[edit]

Youth delegates presented a series of recommendations for Commonwealth heads of government, including increased taxes on industrial polluters and more support for youth-led start-up businesses.[16]

Secretary-General election

[edit]

There was an attempt by the United Kingdom to deny Patricia Scotland a second term as Commonwealth Secretary-General.[17] The British government rejected an attempt in 2020 to automatically appoint Scotland to a second term and has reportedly lost confidence in her due to allegations about her leadership style and spending while in office. Kenyan defence minister Monica Juma was nominated in August 2021 for the position of Secretary-General by Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta.[18] She withdrew her candidacy in February 2021, saying she did not want her candidacy to further divide the Commonwealth.[19]

In April 2022, Jamaica nominated its foreign minister, Kamina Johnson Smith, as a candidate for Secretary-General, prompting criticism from other Caribbean states that are backing Lady Scotland's re-election.[20]

Tuvalu had proposed its former governor-general, Sir Iakoba Italeli, for the post of secretary general – the first time a Pacific nation has sought the role.[21][22][23][24]

Lady Scotland was re-elected to a second term, reportedly defeating Johnson Smith by 27 votes to 24, with Italeli having withdrawn. As her first term had been extended by two years due to the pandemic and the postponement of the 2020 CHOGM, Scotland promised that she will only serve for two more years instead of a full four-year term.[25]

Human Rights in Rwanda

[edit]

The Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative,[26] Human Rights Watch,[27] and Freedom House[28] have all found that the protection of democracy and human rights in Rwanda have declined since the country joined the Commonwealth in 2009. There had been calls[29][30][31] for the Commonwealth to stand up for democracy and human rights in Rwanda at the 2022 CHOGM.

Such calls have included for Commonwealth governments to pressure CHOGM 2022 host Rwanda to free human rights defender Paul Rusesabagina.[32] The UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention found on 18 March 2022 that he had been illegally kidnapped, tortured, and sentenced after an unfair trial. The Working Group stated that: "It is clear on the facts that Mr. Rusesabagina has been targeted by the Government on account of his work as a human rights defender, because of his criticism of the Government on a broad range of human rights issues, including unfair elections and a lack of democracy, freedom of speech, freedom of association and freedom of the press. He has also challenged cases of arbitrary detention, torture and extrajudicial killings."[33] The Working Group called on the Government "to release Mr. Rusesabagina immediately and accord him an enforceable right to compensation and other reparations, in accordance with international law" and "to ensure a full and independent investigation of the circumstances surrounding the arbitrary deprivation of liberty of Mr. Rusesabagina and to take appropriate measures against those responsible for the violation of his rights."

Rusesabagina's family welcomed the Working Group's finding, and were "hopeful that the world will listen to this call by the United Nations and put pressure on Rwanda to immediately free our father and husband."[34]

Togo and Gabon

[edit]

Togo and Gabon joined the Commonwealth, despite never having been under British rule.[35]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ CHOGM 2022 in Rwanda: Key issues - House of Commons Library
  2. ^ "CHOGM: Commonwealth heads of government meeting to hold June 2021". Guardian (Nigeria). 28 September 2020. Archived from the original on 29 November 2020. Retrieved 21 November 2020.
  3. ^ "New date announced for Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting". Commonwealth.
  4. ^ CHOGM, Rwanda (2022). "CHOGM Rwanda 2022". Retrieved 23 March 2022.
  5. ^ "Commonwealth heads of government talks postponed again due to Covid-19". The Straits Times. Archived from the original on 8 May 2021. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
  6. ^ Kagire, Edmund (8 May 2021). "What President Kagame Said About The Postponement Of CHOGM 2021". KT Press. Archived from the original on 8 May 2021. Retrieved 23 May 2021.
  7. ^ CHOGM, CHOGM (31 January 2022). "New date announced for Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting". The Commonwealth. pp. 1–2. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
  8. ^ "Charles to tell Commonwealth leaders becoming a republic 'is their own decision'". The Independent. 24 June 2022. Retrieved 24 June 2022.
  9. ^ "Our History". The Commonwealth. Commonwealth of Nations. Archived from the original on 13 November 2020. Retrieved 25 November 2015.
  10. ^ "Rwanda Confirms Hosting Of CHOGM In 2020". East African Business Week. 25 September 2019. Archived from the original on 24 October 2020. Retrieved 14 November 2019.
  11. ^ "CHOGM Forums".
  12. ^ "Commonwealth leaders line up to support action on 'living lands'". Commonwealth. Retrieved 2022-10-07.
  13. ^ "Ministers call for greater international action to strengthen the resilience of Small States". Commonwealth. Retrieved 2022-10-07.
  14. ^ "Only by coming together as a Commonwealth family, can we achieve gender equality: the final day of the Commonwealth Women's Forum". Commonwealth. Retrieved 2022-10-07.
  15. ^ "Commonwealth leaders come together to respond to increase in violence against women and girls". Commonwealth. Retrieved 2022-10-07.
  16. ^ "Increased taxes for industrial polluters and more support for youth-led start-ups among recommendations for governments from youth". Commonwealth. Retrieved 2022-10-07.
  17. ^ "UK fronts Kenya's Amina in Commonwealth top job". The East African. 22 February 2020. Archived from the original on 21 May 2020. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
  18. ^ Wintour, Patrick (31 August 2021). "Lady Scotland faces challenge for top Commonwealth role". The Guardian. Retrieved 7 September 2021.
  19. ^ "Kenya's Dr Monica Juma quits race for Commonwealth Secretary-General". SABC News. 22 February 2022. Archived from the original on 7 April 2022. Retrieved 16 April 2022.
  20. ^ "Commonwealth rift in Caribbean as re-election of Lady Scotland challenged". The Guardian. 13 April 2022. Retrieved 16 April 2022.
  21. ^ Needham, Kirsty (13 May 2022). "Tuvalu, sinking in the Pacific, fears becoming a superpower 'pawn'". Reuters.
  22. ^ "Italeli vying for Commonwealth secretary-general's post". Radio New Zealand. 26 April 2022.
  23. ^ "Tuvalu candidate vying for Commonwealth SG role appeals for Pacific support". Radio New Zealand. 27 April 2022.
  24. ^ Crellin, Zac (7 June 2022). "Pacific minnow wants to head Commonwealth". The New Daily.
  25. ^ "Australian-backed candidate fails to topple Commonwealth boss Patricia Scotland". 24 June 2022.
  26. ^ "Rwanda, Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative". Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  27. ^ "Human Rights Watch, Rwanda country page". Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  28. ^ "Freedom House, Rwanda country profile". Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  29. ^ "The Commonwealth must call for reforms in Rwanda, African Arguments". 6 May 2021. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  30. ^ "My story proves Rwanda's lack of respect for good governance and human rights, Victoire Ingabire Umuhoza, The Guardian 1 June 2021". TheGuardian.com. June 2021. Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  31. ^ "The dictator who fooled us, Ian Birrell". Retrieved 27 July 2021.
  32. ^ "COMMONWEALTH LEADERS ASKED TO DEMAND THAT KAGAME FREE RUSESABAGINA, "HOTEL RWANDA" HERO, Black Star". 11 November 2021. Retrieved 13 April 2022.
  33. ^ "Opinion No. 81/2021 concerning Paul Rusesabagina (Rwanda), UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention" (PDF). Retrieved 13 April 2022.
  34. ^ "UN CONFIRMS THAT RWANDAN AUTHORITIES ABDUCTED AND ARE ARBITRARILY DETAINING PAUL RUSESABAGINA, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights". Retrieved 13 April 2022.
  35. ^ Turner, Camilla (22 June 2022). "Togo and Gabon to become newest members of Commonwealth this week". The Telegraph.
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