Commonwealth bid still on track - Museminali

Rwanda’s bid to join the Commonwealth is still on track despite recent reports that indicated a likely stall of the process following allegations made by a rights group. A report released by a human rights group - Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) indicated that the bid was likely to stall due to country’s none adherence to international law. In an interview with The New Times, Foreign Affairs Minister Rosemary Museminali dismissed the allegations as baseless and could not influence the decision to admit Rwanda to the 53-Member states elite group of mainly former British colonies. “There is no problem absolutely; the bid is still on track despite the report. Well, the organisation is there and what it states are known issues, but it’s not well researched and it lacks facts,” Museminali said. “Even if Rwanda’s bid failed it wouldn’t be on the basis of that report.” The report also claimed that Rwanda’s press freedoms and community justice system were not up to global standards. Rwanda’s admittance into the Commonwealth will be decided during the Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meeting (CHOGM) slated for November in Trinidad & Tobago. Museminali said that all member states acknowledge and appreciate the progress and improvements the country has registered in the last 15 years and the achievements would be used as basis to consider the bid. Rwanda’s bid has been backed strongly by Britain, Australia and Uganda among other member states. Ends

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Commonwealth bid still on track - Museminali