The Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group (CMAG) has issued its concluding statement following the Group’s 72nd meeting held in London on 7 March 2026. The meeting took place ahead of the Commonwealth Foreign Affairs Ministers Meeting and Commonwealth Day celebrations.
The meeting was chaired by the Honourable Dr. Ian Borg, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism of Malta. Ministers and representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Botswana, Canada, Grenada, Malaysia, Mauritius, Samoa, and Zambia were also in attendance.
During the meeting, CMAG reaffirmed its commitment to the core values and principles of the Commonwealth as outlined in the Commonwealth Charter. These principles include democracy, the rule of law, human rights, freedom of expression, and the separation of powers. Ministers also reiterated the importance of respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of all Commonwealth member states.
The Group reviewed a report from the Commonwealth Secretary-General on her Good Offices engagements with member states. This mechanism is used by the Commonwealth Secretariat to help protect and promote the organisation’s fundamental democratic values and principles across the Commonwealth.
Ministers expressed concern about increasing threats to democracy, judicial independence, human rights, and democratic space in various parts of the world. CMAG emphasised that strong democratic institutions, good governance, and respect for the rule of law are essential for sustainable economic development, security, and peace.
Country Discussions
CMAG also held discussions on developments in several member states.
The Group welcomed progress in Gabon’s democratic transition and commended the Government of Gabon for its continued efforts. Gabon will remain on CMAG’s Formal Agenda while the Commonwealth Secretariat continues to provide technical support to strengthen democratic governance and the rule of law.
Engagement also took place with representatives from the United Republic of Tanzania. CMAG encouraged Tanzania to take further steps in support of its commitment to the Commonwealth Charter and agreed that the country would remain on the Group’s Formal Agenda. The Commonwealth Secretary-General’s Special Envoy is expected to visit Tanzania in March 2026 to assess progress on the issues raised.
The Group also considered developments in Pakistan and Uganda. The Secretary-General will continue to engage with Pakistan through the Good Offices mechanism to support the implementation of recommendations from the 2024 Commonwealth Observer Group. Uganda has been placed on CMAG’s Formal Agenda following concerns related to the human rights and political environment in the country.
Commitment to Commonwealth Values
CMAG acknowledged and applauded the work of the Commonwealth Secretary-General in promoting democracy, good governance, stability, sustainable development, and peace across the Commonwealth family.
Next CMAG Meeting
Ministers agreed that the next regular meeting of the Commonwealth Ministerial Action Group will take place in November 2026 in Antigua and Barbuda, highlighting the country’s continued role in Commonwealth engagement and cooperation.
