By John Ikani
The G20 alliance, a coalition of influential nations, has reportedly reached a consensus to confer permanent membership status upon the African Union (AU), according to insiders cited by Bloomberg on Thursday.
This significant development would elevate the African Union, a continental organization representing 55 member states, to a status equal to that of the European Union (EU). Currently, the AU holds the title of “invited international organization.”
Corroborating the development, Reuters received insights from two Indian sources, asserting that the formalization of AU membership within the G20 will occur in the forthcoming year when Brazil assumes leadership of this assembly, succeeding India.
Remarkably, within the G20, there appears to be unanimous support for this initiative, as one source mentioned, under the condition of anonymity, in accordance with government regulations.
In June, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the initiative to write to the leaders of G20 member nations, suggesting that the AU be accorded full and permanent membership within this alliance, a proposal slated for discussion at the impending summit in the Indian capital.
In a recent op-ed published in both domestic and international newspapers, Prime Minister Modi emphasized, “Our presidency has not only witnessed unprecedented participation from African nations but has also advocated for the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent G20 member.”
At present, the G20 encompasses 19 individual countries alongside the European Union. Collectively, these members account for approximately 85% of the world’s GDP, over 75% of global trade, and represent roughly two-thirds of the global population.
South Africa, an active participant within the G20 and a supporter of the AU’s inclusion, refrained from immediate commentary prior to the Delhi summit. Vincent Magwenya, the spokesperson for the South African presidency, noted, “We will abstain from commenting until an official announcement is made post-summit.”
On a more optimistic note, a spokesperson from South Africa’s foreign ministry welcomed the reports concerning the G20’s decision to integrate the African bloc into their ranks, drawing parallels with the EU’s status as a fellow member. He stated, “The EU is also a member, and we (South Africa) advocated for and supported this proposition.”
Anticipations are high that G20 leaders will officially unveil this decision during the upcoming summit, as highlighted in the Bloomberg report.
Several countries, including Germany, Brazil, South Africa, and Canada, have also voiced their support for granting membership to the African Union within the G20, marking a crucial step towards strengthening the alliance’s global representation.
