The Commonwealth Secretariat welcomes Rev Father Thomas NAHIMANA and his delegation.

1.After his visits in Australia, Canada, the United States of America and at the European Union office, Reverend Father Thomas NAHIMANA, the presidential candidate of the Rwandan opposition for 2017 elections and his delegation met the Commonwealth Secretariat on July 4th, 2016.

2.It was on the agenda of the trip held in London, UK, from July 3rd to 5th, 2016 on which Rev Fr Thomas NAHIMANA was accompanied by a delegation of six politicians from ISHEMA Party and the New Generation Coalition.

3.The main objective of the visit was to discuss with the officials of the Commonwealth Secretariat the main challenges facing the people of Rwanda, especially the youth, challenges that hinder the promotion of Democracy in Rwanda. These are evidenced by the bad governance style of the leaders and the acolytes of the ruling party, the Rwandese Patriotic Front (RPF) who want to overstay in power and to continue the appropriation of all the national wealth at the expense of the social welfare.

4.A further topic raised was the 2017 presidential elections and the 2018 parliamentarians in which ISHEMA Party and the New Generation Coalition decided to participate. The delegation exposed all the modus operandi used by the RPF in order to block the candidatures of the true opposition.

5.The delegation took the opportunity to present to the officials of the Commonwealth Secretariat the campaign manifesto titled “TOGETHER TO MODERNIZE RWANDA” which will be launched and shared with the Rwandans by Rev Fr Thomas NAHIMANA in upcoming days.

6.It should be recalled that Rwanda joined the Commonwealth in 2009 on the condition that the government of Rwanda should make efforts to abide with the principles and values of the Commonwealth which are Democracy, Good Governance, Rule of Law, Human Rights as well as Social and Economic Development.

7.Rev. Fr. Thomas NAHIMANA and his delegation appreciate the officials of the Commonwealth Secretariat for their hospitality, their attention and their inputs during the discussions held in mutual respect.

Long live ISHEMA Party and the New Generation of Leaders

Long Live the Republic of Rwanda

Long live the Commonwealth