The Commonwealth, which largely consists of former British colonies, is holding a summit in Rwanda’s capital Kigali. On the last day of the meeting, the 54 member states voted to approve Gabon and Togo taking part in the Commonwealth, which is formally led by Queen Elizabeth II, also head of state in several of the countries.
Welcome to the family
“We accept Gabon and Togo as new members and welcome them into the Commonwealth’s family,” said Rwandan President Paul Kagame after the vote. The two countries are the first to be elected to the Commonwealth since Rwanda became a member in 2009.
It is noteworthy that Gabon and Togo have a past as French colonies, but that they turn their backs on the French-speaking sphere of interest for the English-speaker.
Togo’s Foreign Minister Robert Dussey says the membership opens up a market of 2.5 billion consumers, provides increased educational opportunities for the country’s residents and breeds a “hunger” for all English among Togolese.
– Togo’s membership is motivated by diplomatic, political and economic opportunities in the network (within the Commonwealth), says Dussey.
French influences
In addition, a brighter future is seen in the British sphere than in the French:
– For many in Togo, it is better to belong to the Commonwealth than to share the French language and culture, which in the end has not led to development, says political scientist Mohamed Madi Djabakate.
The French influences have often been accused of being the cause of economic hardship, according to political scientist Djabakate.
But critics claim that the Commonwealth allows two countries that are not completely spotless in the protocol for, among other things, human rights.