26th Commonwealth Heads of Gov’t Meeting : Cameroon Actively Participates

Leaders of more than fifty Commonwealth nations met in Kigali, Rwanda for the 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), held under the theme, ‘Delivering a Common Future: Connecting, Innovating, Transforming,” in which the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Joseph Dion Ngute represented the Head of State during deliberations. Besides taking part in the opening ceremony, the Prime Minister participated in different fora and sideline events. It is also the first CHOGM to be held on the African continent since Uganda in 2007. The Republic of Gabon and the Republic of Togo were admitted into the Commonwealth as new members. This is contained in the thirteenth point of the CHOGM Leaders’ Statement, which acknowledges the admission of the two Republic into the Gentlemen’s Club. The leaders also issued a final communique on June 25, 2022 in which members renewed their commitment to respect the rule of law, equal access to justice and independent justice systems. The final communique of 117 points borders on issues of governance, human rights and the rule of law, sustainability (health, climate change, trade and economy), youth participation, technology and innovation, country situations and Commonwealth collaboration. The nineteen point on the communique states that “In pursuit of SDGs 10 (reduced inequalities) and 16 (peace, justice and strong institutions), Heads committed to fully implement laws that promote and protect inclusion, to eliminate discriminatory laws, polices, and to promote appropriate legislation, policies and action.” The document also urges member countries to implement the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and promote a...