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The G20, a coalition of nations, has reportedly reached an agreement to confer permanent membership upon the African Union (AU).
This monumental decision elevates the African Union, a continental organization comprising 55 member states, to the same status as the European Union (EU), upgrading it from its previous designation as an “invited international organization.”
Nonetheless, two Indian sources informed Reuters that formalizing AU membership will likely occur next year, coinciding with Brazil assuming leadership of the consortium of the world’s largest economies, succeeding India.
One of the sources affirmed that there is no opposition to this move within the G20, emphasizing that this information adheres to government confidentiality regulations.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had previously penned letters to the leaders of G20 nations in June, advocating for the African Union’s full, permanent membership within the group, a proposition to be discussed at the upcoming summit in the Indian capital.
Modi articulated in an article published in both Indian and international newspapers on Thursday, stating, “Our presidency has not only seen the largest-ever participation from African countries but has also pushed for the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20.”
The G20’s current composition encompasses 19 nations and the European Union. These members collectively represent approximately 85% of the global GDP, over 75% of worldwide trade, and approximately two-thirds of the world’s population.
While South Africa, a G20 member, did not provide immediate commentary before the Delhi summit, the South African presidential spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, stated, “We wouldn’t comment now until the official announcement or post the summit.”
On a related note, a spokesperson from South Africa’s foreign ministry welcomed the news report affirming the G20’s decision to grant the African bloc full membership status akin to that of the EU. He remarked, “The EU is also a member. We (South Africa) lobbied for and supported this move.”
According to the Bloomberg report, G20 leaders are anticipated to announce this landmark decision during the summit. Several countries, including Germany, Brazil, South Africa, and Canada, have voiced their support for the inclusion of the African Union within the G20.
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