Rwanda suits the hodgepodge Commonwealth of Nations

Rwanda has received effective acceptance for her application to join the Commonwealth in November this year. However a brief glance under the surface and it is immediately apparent that Rwanda’s developmental and political strides suit the modernity and diversity of the Commonwealth of Nations. President Kagame – and most Rwandans I have met – are quick to denounce the post-colonial symbolism of many international organisations; the ICC being the largest offender. I was confused therefore by the very real enthusiasm for an organisation with such an abominable and blatant colonial heritage; embodied in the frail Queen Elizabeth II who opens the leaders ‘retreats’. The Queen in her long ‘reign’ has however presided over the crumbling and collapse of the British colonial system. She might therefore best represent the modern commonwealth, a self-proclaimed democratic system of ‘freely and equally associated states’. The Commonwealth’s highly progressive mandate, termed ‘democracy and development’, perhaps provides the best insight into Rwanda’s movement towards the organisation. It is a far cry from the seemingly self-absorbed emphasis that the Francophonie maintains in its protection of “la Langue Française”. The organisation represents 1.8 billion people, a rich cluster of histories and, for that measure, languages. The successful entrance of Mozambique, who does not speak English and a waiting list including states ranging from Algeria to Israel, dispels the tightly knit ‘line’. Its appeal - given the waiting list of entrants one should conclude it does have a very real appeal - seems to be one based on mutual benefit, loose obligation and shared values. This lies at the heart of Rwanda’s interest and indeed her application.The very loose grouping allows the organisation to propose intelligent and effective counsel. A measure passed by the organisation has to have the backing from the distinct political and social environment of its membership, stretching across five continents. Past decisions have been adopted in institutions such as the UN and the World Bank, such as the celebrated resolution for multilateral debt relief. The organisation is unique in its democratic structure and high developing state membership, as a result it gives an opportunity to traditionally marginalised countries, it therefore provides an audience for the unique voice and experience of Rwanda. Rwanda has a lot to offer the Commonwealth, a highly acclaimed developmental path, lauded and unmatched gender parity in politics and commendable anti-corruption policies. The Commonwealth, for its part can help Rwanda. Britain’s donor generosity is likely to be stretched across all states of the organisation and it has already pledged to assist in the realisation of Vision 2020, with emphasis on aiding ambitious health and education targets of the Rwandan government. I will take this opportunity to dispel a myth I am sure exists. The Commonwealth with all its historical roots and its commendable programme is in Britain treated as archaic and an embarrassment, and I am sure this is reflected in the other more powerful states. The people who do care are normally cricketers or people who enjoy the opening theatrics of the Commonwealth games. This detachment however plays into Rwandan political interests. Unlike the UN, in which political participation and obligation are resolute, the Commonwealth is the opposite and even prides itself on its absence of punitive measures, it is a moral authority. I have come to recognise and - to some extent - understand the Rwandan mistrust of overly powerful and internationalist organisations; the Commonwealth will be a relationship and not an imposition. There is however one warning in Rwanda’s membership. The organisation is resolute in its determination for completely free democratic politics. There is light criticism, in the same manner as HRW, upon the limits to dissent in Rwanda. The issue that could frustrate Rwanda’s leadership within the organisation is demands to open-up politics; conflicting with the continuing fears of divisionism. Rwanda from November will join this family, whose states are united less by the destructive legacy of colonialism but by mutual benefit. It does not take the sour relations with France to recognise that the Rwandan developmental state is a well suited and welcome member of this unique organisation. philiprushworth89@hotmail.com