This archive report was first published on 27 November 2019.
Published on November 27, 2019, the UK's Deputy High Commissioner to Rwanda, Matthew Rycroft, spoke to Ivan R. Mugisha about the UK's relations with Rwanda ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Summit in Rwanda.
According to Rycroft, the UK is working closely with Rwanda to prepare for the summit, which is set to take place in 2020. He expressed confidence in Rwanda's ability to host the event, stating that the country has made significant progress in embracing Commonwealth ideas.
When asked about the corruption allegations that rocked Uganda after hosting the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in 2007, Rycroft stated that the UK has confidence in Rwanda's authorities to prepare and deliver a successful summit.
The UK has invested heavily in Rwanda, with over £1 billion spent in development projects since the 1994 genocide. Rycroft highlighted the impact of these projects, stating that two million Rwandans have been lifted out of poverty.
However, Rycroft acknowledged that poverty remains a persistent issue in Rwanda, despite high levels of economic growth. He emphasized the UK's commitment to addressing this issue, particularly in areas such as education, infrastructure, and job creation.
When asked about the potential impact of Brexit on the UK's relations with Rwanda, Rycroft stated that the UK's commitment to the country remains strong. He also expressed the UK's support for the Economic Partnership Agreement between the East African Community and the European Union.
