It’s a beautiful sunny day here in Kigali, the capital of Rwanda. This Sunday, traffic is flowing as seamlessly as the water along the course of Nyabarongo River.

As I drive around the city, flags lined up along the highways attract my attention. Blown simultaneously by the gentle wind, the said flags form a colorful display of national identities. Ghana, Jamaica, Samoa, Australia, Barbados .... you name them. I get dizzy trying to put a name to every flag.

Earlier today, I dropped by the BK Arena and saw numerous participants of the long-awaited Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) collecting their badges. After picking up mine, I did a Covid test and left the site. Then I spun my wheels to the Kigali Convention Center (KCC). Upon arrival, I saw the organizers and support staff putting the final touches to the preparations. Lately, they have been working around the clock.

From KCC, I proceeded to the Kigali Conference and Exhibition Village (KCEV). Again, the organizers were busy polishing the interior designs of the exhibition tents. I was awestruck by the artistically designed stands and the splendid decor.

CHOGM brings together delegations from 54 nations from every region the world over. The meeting is designed to reinforce multilateral cooperation, explore new opportunities and tackle common challenges for the well-being of future generations. The event is preceded by four forums, ministerial engagements, side meetings and a string of other activities.