Commonwealth Conference in Rwanda Postponed Again
For the second time now, the London based common wealth Secretariat has postponed the 2021 CHOGM meeting that was rescheduled for June 2021. Initially, CHOGM was scheduled for June 2020 but was cancelled and postponed to 2021 due to the presence of the deadly corona virus that was spreading like wild fire all over the world. This time round, no specific date has been set for the common wealth heads of governments meeting but we keep hopeful. The reason for the postponement of this long waited event is the remaining impact of the deadly covid19 pandemic which hit the whole world since December 2019 starting from China. The cancelling of the Common Wealth Heads of Governments meeting was announced by Patricia Scotland, the London based common earth Secretariat on Friday 8th 2021. Scotland said that bringing Commonwealth leaders together at this ti8me when the deadly pandemic is still roaming around is not good. “ And while it is with deep disappointment and regret that we cannot bring Commonwealth leaders together at this time to discuss may of these critical issues, we must be mindful of the huge risks large meetings pose to all.” said Scotland.
In the same way, the president of Rwanda H, E Paul Kagame confirmed the cancellation of CHOGM. In tis national address, Paul Kagame said “The decision to postpone CHOGM for the 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” The Commonwealth Secretariat also thanked President Kagame, the government of Rwanda and citizens for the readiness, support, patience and professionalism to host the Common wealth Heads of States Meeting. Scotland also thanked United Kingdom and India who have been hit so hard by the pandemic.
The conclusion to cancel CHOGM meeting was drawn after a critical review of the all the available evidence and risk assessment with the World Health Organization (WHO) and their risk assessment tool
Rwanda Development Board had initially announced her readiness to host the heads of states from 54 countries in a safe environment despite the existence of covid19. However, the new wave of the pandemic across the member states has made it impossible for Heads of Sates to Travel. It’s undeniable that Covid 19 has hugely damaged economic growth in cost CHOGM member countries causing huge losses of livelihoods and human lives.
Is Rwanda Open for Tourism?
YES, Rwanda, the beautiful Land of a thousand hills is open for tourism despite the cancellation of CHOGM. Tours and travel activities in Rwanda were reopened in June 2020 allowing in all travelers from different corners of the world. However, travelers checking into Rwanda are required to have negative covid19 test results taken 72 hours before. Clients are also asked to do another covid19 test upon arrival at Kigali International airport. More so, clients departing from Rwanda are also checked to ensure no post covid19 cases go out of Rwanda. Any traveler found positive under goes treatment on his/her bill.
Top thing to see and do in Rwanda
Whereas Rwanda offers an endless list of interesting activities and attractions for travelers, some experiences are a must do on your safari to this land of a thousand hills. The top things to see and do in Rwanda include:
Mountain gorilla trekking:
Rwanda is one of the three countries, which shelter the endangered mountain gorillas. Gorillas in Rwanda live in the bamboo forests of Volcanoes National Park located in Northwestern Rwanda. There are 10-habituated gorilla families in Volcanoes National Park each visited by 8 people. Each gorilla trekking permit in Rwanda costs $1500, which makes Rwanda a luxury gorilla tour destination. You can book directly through Rwanda Development Board or Gorilla Trek Africa, the number one gorilla safari company in Rwanda. Our 2 Days Rwanda gorilla trek offers you chance to trek Rwanda gorillas in the shortest time possible.
Chimpanzee Trekking: Enjoy guided chimpanzee trekking tours in Nyungwe Forest National Park for yet another interesting primate experience in southwestern Rwanda. Chimpanzee trekking is second to gorilla trekking for most travelers to Rwanda. The aerial canopy walk accompanies a chimpanzee tour in Nyungwe Forest, which make the experience more enjoyable.
Golden Monkey trekking: Also done in Volcanoes National Park, golden monkey trekking is yet another interesting, a must do activity on your safari to Rwanda. Two communities of golden monkeys have been habituated for trekking in Volcanoes National Park.
Game Viewing: Experience the big five game on your Rwanda safari to Akagera National Park. Day and night game drives in the savannahs of Akagera National Park offer you specular views of numerous wild animals grazing and predators hunting. Expect to see numerous wild animals including Elephants. Lions, Leopards, Giraffes, Zebras, Waterbucks, Warthogs, Hippos and Rhinos, and Buffalos among others. Also, be part of the amazing boat cruise on Lake Ihema to make your safari a complete package. A 3 Days Akagera game tour is your best package to explore and enjoy the beauty of Akagera National Park
In conclusion, we regret the cancelling of the 2021 Commonwealth Heads of Governments Meting in Rwanda. Gorilla Trek Africa will keep you updated on the new date for this great event.
