Leaders of Commonwealth Meet As Africa Prepares to Take Charge

Commonwealth leaders are convening this week in Samoa, where discussions include Africa’s potential to secure the Secretary-General role after a 20-year gap. Three African candidates are in the running: Ghana’s Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Lesotho’s former trade minister Joshua Phoho Setipa, and Gambia’s Foreign Minister Mamadou Tangara. Controversy surrounds whether reparations should be on the agenda, raising debates within the association. Rwanda is also pushing for the 56-member group to intensify efforts in eliminating barriers that hinder women’s and girls’ advancement, highlighting ongoing gender equity challenges. This gathering underscores the Commonwealth’s broader objectives, balancing historical legacies with contemporary priorities in social and economic equity.