of The Heads of Government Meeting ranks at level 4, which is high.
A joint statement issued by Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said: “The overall risk of transmission and further spread of COVID-19 was also rated high, which implies not only a threat to travellers but to the people of Rwanda itself should imported variants spread within the country.”
Considering these factors, the Commonwealth Secretariat said that in consultation with the Rwandan Government, it has decided to postpone the summit for the second time.
“Having reviewed all the available evidence and risk assessments in close consultation with the Government of Rwanda, we have, with deep regret and despite the enormous efforts Rwanda has made in preparation for hosting CHOGM efficiently and safely in June 2021, come to the unavoidable conclusion that we are compelled to postpone the CHOGM in Kigali for a second time,” the communique reads in part.
According to the statement, the Commonwealth Secretariat intends to work closely with the host government of CHOGM, in order to ensure that an agreement is reached on the rescheduling of the summit in Kigali when the conditions allow.
Meanwhile, President Kagame noted that the decision to postpone the Heads of Government Meeting was not taken lightly, and that Rwanda looks forward to welcome the members of the Commonwealth at the appropriate time. “The decision to postpone CHOGM for a second time has not been taken lightly. The health and welfare of all Commonwealth citizens at this critical time must take precedence. We look forward to welcoming the Commonwealth family to Kigali for CHOGM at the appropriate time,” he said.
