RWANDA JOINS THE COMMONWEALTH

Commonwealth Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma chats with other guests at the reception to mark Commonwealth Day at the Marlborough House in London today
Rwandese picket in London i support of their government

Rwandese traditional dances characterised the day

Photos and Story by Ayoub Mzee, London

The Commonwealth can benefit Rwanda, but so too of course can Rwanda benefit the Commonwealth" , says Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma.

Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma welcomed Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Patrick Manning, the Commonwealth's Chairperson-in-Office, to Marlborough House for Commonwealth Day on 8 March 2010.

Speaking shortly before the flag raising ceremony, Mr Sharma said: "The Commonwealth cannot offer Rwanda the world, but it can offer it the best of its own, and of the world’s thinking, together with its expertise and its networks."

"Rwanda can have many friends and partners. Yes, the Commonwealth can benefit Rwanda, but so too of course can Rwanda benefit the Commonwealth."

The Rwanda President said: "Sixteen years ago, Rwanda was devastated by genocide, but today we are working to restore our dignity and self-respect, and we continue to do that.

"With resilience and courage, the people of Rwanda have made notable progress. Stability, security, and the rule of law are now the norm. For five years, our economy has grown at an average of 8%, and this has placed Rwanda as the top global performer in doing business, according to the Word Bank.

"Home-grown solutions have helped in resolving a number of challenges facing our country. For example, the issue of justice and reconciliation has been addressed through the uniquely Rwandan process of Gacaca courts.

"Decentralisation and the empowerment of women in the areas of governance and economic development have seen Rwandans participate more meaningfully in decision making.

"It is evident that the people of our country are our greatest asset, and therefore their health and education are paramount. Regarding health, malaria deaths have been cut by 60%, and in the education sector, 3,000 classrooms were built in the last year alone, marking a critical step to providing universal, nine-year basic education.

"Even with our ambitious development vision, we are acutely aware of the challenges before us in dealing with our particular circumstances. We draw from solutions embedded in our culture, but also maximise on the lessons that can be learned from others.

"It is our hope that in collaboration with the rest of the Commonwealth family, Rwanda’s efforts in the areas of good governance, private-sector investment and development, democracy, freedoms, and rights, and regional integration, will all be greatly strengthened.

"I am also certain that Rwanda can and will endeavour to contribute as much to the Commonwealth as we benefit from it.

"Prime Minister Manning, thank you once again for your gracious welcome, and Secretary-General, my country looks forward to playing a full and productive role within the Commonwealth"..