Commonwealth cultivates our forward-thinking - Kagame
A large portion of the Commonwealth includes nations that were formerly a part of the British Empire, but it has also grown to include other nations like Rwanda.
Boakyewaa Lawrencia 
In Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, the Commonwealth Heads of Government conference has begun.
President Paul Kagame, the event's host and the new chairman of the 54-nation organization that represents a third of the world's population, stated that the group's membership is determined by its ideals.
These include respect for the law, effective government, and rights protection.
His government has come under harsh criticism for its record on human rights due to hosting the event.
He addressed the group, saying, "Whenever we may fall short, we find answers via consensus and debate, we build each other up and move forward together."
He said that after the 1994 genocide, which resulted in the deaths of over 800,000 people, the nation has made great strides. But now, he continued, "we are a nation transformed in heart, mind, and body."
A large portion of the Commonwealth includes nations that were formerly a part of the British Empire, but it has also grown to include other nations like Rwanda.
According to President Kagame, joining the group will ensure that "our people are linked, included, and forward-looking."
During this summit, the former French colony of Gabon is scheduled to be admitted to the organization.
