Sat 10 December 2022:
In an effort to strengthen the position of the continent, US Vice President Joe Biden would support a permanent membership for the African Union in the Group of 20 major economies, the White House said.
At the three-day US-Africa Summit, which begins on Tuesday in Washington, DC, Biden will make the announcement. At the summit, the US will commit to the continent in response to moves by China and Russia.
“It’s past time Africa has permanent seats at the table in international organisations and initiatives,” Judd Devermont, senior director for African affairs at the National Security Council, said on Friday.
“We need more African voices in international conversations that concern the global economy, democracy and governance, climate change, health and security,” said Devermont.
Approximately 50 African leaders are anticipated to attend the discussions with Biden from December 13 to 15, during which the US is anticipated to address the role of the African Union with India, the G20 presidency for 2023.
Biden’s pledge comes after he threw his support behind the expansion of the United Nations Security Council, including representation of Africa, during a speech to the world body in September.
While few expect quick changes at the Security Council, the stance pits the US against China and especially Russia, which are seen as opposed to any move to dilute their veto power.
The Biden administration has supported the African Union’s diplomatic efforts on the continent and aimed to build cordial connections with Senegalese President Macky Sall, who will be hosting the Washington summit and serving as the organization’s current leader.
Sall was given permission to attend the most recent G20 summit, which took place in Bali last month.
South Africa currently is the only African member of the G20, which was launched in its current form during the 2008 financial crisis to bring together the world’s top economies.
On September 16, Biden and Cyril Ramaphosa, the president of South Africa, met at the White House. South Africa and several of its neighbors have declared their neutrality regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES
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