african union | Business Upturn

African Union Commission Chief speaks up over PM Modi welcoming it as a permanent member of the G20

Kashvi Basu — Sat, 09 Sep 2023 14:28:00 +0000

The African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat on Saturday i.e 9th September praised AU’s entry into the G20, highlighting that it will allow Africa to make its “effective contribution” in fulfilling global challenges.

“I welcome the African Union’s entry into the G20 as a full member. This membership, for which we have long been advocating, will provide a propitious framework for amplifying advocacy in favor of the Continent and its effective contribution to meeting global challenges,” the AU head wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday formally announced the addition of a 55-member African Union as a permanent member of the G20. While addressing the inaugural session of the mega Summit, PM Modi said, “In keeping with the sentiment of sabka saath (with everyone), India had proposed that the African Union should be given permanent membership of the G20. I believe we all are in agreement on this proposal . Before we start our work, I invite the African Union president to take his position as a permanent member,” he said. As soon as the announcement was made public, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar escorted the current chairperson of the African Union and Comoros President Azali Assoumani to his respective seat.

As for now , Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who is present at the Summit, said, “As a continent, we look forward to further advancing our aspirations on the global stage using the G20 platform.” All in all , collectively, African Union member states have a GDP of nearly USD 3 trillion and a steady population of about 1.4 billion.

US President demands release of Niger President amid apparent coup attempt

Viditha Ganji — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 18:08:23 +0000

In a concerning turn of events, an attempted coup was underway in the Sahel state of Niger on Wednesday, as President Mohamed Bazoum was reportedly detained by members of his own Presidential Guard. The unfolding situation has drawn international attention, with the United States, United Nations, European Union, and the African Union voicing their condemnation of the apparent coup attempt.

According to a source close to President Bazoum, the Nigerien leader is currently being held by members of the Presidential Guard, who have been given an “ultimatum” by the army. The situation has sparked alarm both within Niger and among the global community, prompting swift reactions from major international actors.

In a statement, the White House expressed deep concern over the developments in Niger and called for the immediate release of President Mohamed Bazoum. The detention of the democratically elected leader has raised serious questions about the stability and security in the region.

As the situation unfolds, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has stepped in to mediate. Benin President Patrice Talon is reportedly traveling to Niger to act as a mediator in the stand-off. The regional bloc aims to address the crisis and work towards a peaceful resolution.

The apparent coup attempt has sent shockwaves through Niger, a nation already facing security challenges in the volatile Sahel region. The international community’s united condemnation of the incident reflects the grave concern for the safety and stability of the West African nation.

President Mohamed Bazoum’s detention comes at a critical time when Niger is grappling with security threats from insurgent groups and experiencing significant political challenges. The unfolding events have put the nation’s political landscape under intense scrutiny, raising questions about the potential consequences for democracy and governance.

As developments continue to unfold, the world watches closely, hoping for a peaceful resolution to the crisis. The fate of President Bazoum remains uncertain, and the global community calls for an end to the apparent coup attempt and the release of the democratically elected leader. The international actors’ collective response underscores the urgency and significance of the situation, as Niger’s stability and security hang in the balance.

India suggests making the African Union a full G20 member

Avinash Ram — Sun, 18 Jun 2023 10:57:27 +0000

According to people with knowledge of the situation, India has suggested granting the African Union full participation at the G20 for the group’s next September meeting in Delhi. It is reported that Indian Prime Minister Modi has brought up the idea with his G20 peers.

India has advocated for a stronger voice for the developing countries in the G20’s discussions throughout its one-year presidency. In order to provide developing nation viewpoints to the G20, it held the Voices of the Global South meeting in January 2023.

“The 55 member states that make up the nations of the African Continent make up the African Union (AU), a continental organisation. According to the organization’s website, it was formally introduced in 2002 as a replacement for the Organisation of African Unity (OAU, 1963–1999).

The major objective of the association is to “accelerate the political and socio-economic integration of the continent.”

Additionally, it emphasises supporting and defending shared African perspectives on important topics as well as fostering international collaboration, defending human rights, and encouraging these stances. The sole member of the G20 at the moment is an African nation—South Africa.

The status previously accorded to the European Union is mirrored in India’s plan to award full membership to the African Union. Germany, France, and Italy are the only three EU members now a part of the organisation.

India’s action is in line with its goals of positioning itself as the leader of the Global South. Food security, economic weaponization, debt alleviation, and climate change are just a few of the important issues that India has pushed for debate on during its G20 Presidency.