Canada has said it supports Rwanda’s bid to join the 53-nation commonwealth with just a few days remaining before nations comprising mainly of former British colonies decide on the fate of the East African country.
According to the Canadian media, the Ottawa Citizen quoting the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Rwanda has all qualities to join the Commonwealth.
“Canada would welcome the admission of Rwanda to the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth is well positioned to assist Rwanda in strengthening its democratic institutions,” according to the Canadian Foreign Affairs department.
Rwanda first tried to join in 1996 ; just two years after the 1994 genocide which claimed over one million people in just 100 days.
Originally a German and then a Belgian colony, Rwanda again applied last year, after a decade of economic growth and increased democratization.
British Prime Minister Gordon Brown is also reportedly leading a charge to admit Rwanda to the club.
Canada and Australia, both major funders of the Commonwealth, also have a key say in the matter.
A decision by Commonwealth members is expected by the end of the week when the body’s heads of government meet in Trinidad and Tobago for their biennial summit.
However, a damning report from the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative last summer scolded the country for being lax in its adherence to international law, free speech, press freedom and justice.
The Commonwealth is a club of nations with a population of more than two billion and $2.8 trillion in annual trade.
Its main focus is promoting trade, education and good governance among its members.
The Commonwealth is comprised of 53 countries, most of which had been part of the British Empire.
Source African Press Agency
