African Union to Join G-20, as Sherpas Reach a Deal
Context
According to sources with knowledge of the proceedings at the Sherpa summit at a resort on the outskirts of Delhi, the African Union (AU) is scheduled to join the G-20 after negotiators reached an agreement on clearing its membership.
This will make the African Union, with its 55 members, and the European Union the only two regional organizations in the G-20.
What is the African Union?
- The African continent is home to the 55 member states that make up the African Union (AU). To replace the Organization of African Unity (OAU), the AU was founded in 2002.
- The countries that make up the AU are split into five geographical areas. The African Union Commission (AUC), the AU’s secretariat, is headquartered in Addis Abeba, Ethiopia. The AUC manages the day-to-day operations of the AU.
- On September 9, 1999, in Sirte, Libya, the Sirte Declaration introduced the AU. The African Union will be given permanent membership by the G20.
What is the current status of the African Union in the G20 meeting?
- At the 18th G20 summit in New Delhi, the G20 is anticipated to announce its decision to award the AU permanent membership. The world’s richest and most powerful nations make up the G20.
- The AU’s membership in the G20 is part of India’s commitment to be the voice of the Global South. In June, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi suggested joining the AU.
What are the advantages for the African Union in the G20 summit?
- Economic Influence: The combined GDP and commerce of the G20 countries account for a sizeable percentage of the global economy. A nation or regional entity can influence international economic policies and projects by joining the G20.
- Coordination of policies: G20 gatherings offer member nations a forum for discussing and coordinating economic strategies. This can be especially useful when dealing with national or international economic problems.
- Access to Resources: Participating in the G20 can make it easier to acquire financial resources, such as money for important projects, investments, and development aid. It can also draw FDI from abroad and encourage economic expansion.
- Networking and diplomacy: Being a member of the G20 permits a nation to take part in high-level economic and diplomatic negotiations with other significant economies. This could improve alliances, trade connections, and diplomatic relations.
- Global Governance: Aside from the economy, the G20 meetings also address a wide range of international topics, such as security, health crises, and climate change. Participation in these debates can influence how important decisions are made about global governance.
- Influence on International Agendas: G20 members have the chance to influence international affairs and promote their interests. For nations or regional organizations looking to pursue particular policy goals, this can be crucial information.
What is India’s role in AU’s entry to G20?
- Advocacy for Inclusion: India, which hosted the G20 conference where the AU’s inclusion was decided, probably played a crucial part in supporting the AU’s accession. Indian representatives would have attempted to forge an understanding among G20 participants and advocate AU membership as a means of boosting participation from the Global South.
- Interests of the Global South are Promoted: India has a history of fighting for the rights of underdeveloped nations, particularly those in Asia and Africa. In line with its larger initiatives to advance the issues and goals of the Global South on the international scene, India supports the AU’s membership in the G20.
- Diplomatic Leadership: India took the lead in the negotiations as the G20 summit’s host country. Due to its position of leadership, India was able to dictate the summit’s agenda and outcomes, including selections for the AU’s membership.
- Facilitating Dialogue: To facilitate a smooth process for the AU’s entry into the G20, India may have served as a bridge between G20 members and the AU, encouraging conversation and negotiations between the two parties.
- Emphasizing the Role of the Global South: The fact that India is supporting AU membership can be interpreted as an effort to highlight the growing significance of the Global South in international economic and political matters. India hopes to have a long-lasting influence on the G20’s acceptance of the AU by promoting its inclusion.
Which other country supported the AU’s Admission?
- China: According to Mao Ning, a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, China was the first nation to formally declare support for the G20 membership of the African Union. During the China-Africa Leaders’ Dialogue, President Xi Jinping reaffirmed China’s active support for the AU’s full membership. China views the AU as a crucial partner in creating a high-level China-Africa relationship and defending global justice and fairness.
- Russia: The G20 Sherpa for Russia also endorsed joining the AU. Moscow was one of the first nations to support the AU’s admission to the G20, according to Russian media.
