African Union in G20

African Union in G20

News: Recently, The African Union (AU) became a new permanent member of the G20 during the 18th G20 Heads of State and Government Summit in New Delhi.

What is African Union?
• The African Union (AU) is a continental union consisting of 55 member states located on the continent of Africa. The AU was announced in the Sirte Declaration in Sirte, Libya, on 9 September 1999, calling for the establishment of the African Union.
• The bloc was founded on 26 May 2001 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and launched on 9 July 2002 in Durban, South Africa.
• The intention of the AU was to replace the Organization of African Unity (OAU), established on 25 May 1963 in Addis Ababa by 32 signatory governments; the OAU was disbanded on 9 July 2002.

What are the objectives of AU?
• The AU emphasizes greater unity and solidarity among African countries. It promotes political and socioeconomic integration, peace, stability, security, and human rights.
• African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) - Established in 2018, it seeks to create a single continental market for goods and services.

What are achievements of AU?
• Conflict resolution in trouble hotspots such as Sudan, resolving post-election violent conflicts in Ivory Coast, Kenya.
• Common Positions on Global Issues - Building consensus on United Nations reforms, the COVID-19 response, and financing of African development.
• Operationalizing the African Standby Force
• AU introduced a 10-year continental declaration for gender equality and women’s empowerment

Challenges:
• Weak Legislative, Judicial, and Technical Organs - Contrary to the vision articulated in its Constitutive Act, the AU’s legislative, judicial, and technical organs remain weak, especially relative to the Assembly of Heads of State and Government
• Unconstitutional Hold on Power - At least 32 military coups or coup attempts since 2013; five out of seven attempts since 2020 succeeded.
• Democratically elected governments crackdown on civil society organizations and the media.

What is the significance of AU’s inclusion in G20?
• Representation - As a full member of the G20, the AU can represent an entire continent that has the largest region where countries can trade without restrictions. This gives Africa a stronger voice in global economic discussions.
• Resources - Africa possesses valuable resources that can be used to combat climate change. The continent has vast reserves of critical minerals, including aluminium, cobalt, copper, lithium, and manganese, which are essential for high-tech and green products like smartphones and solar panels.
• Inclusive Global Dialogue - The inclusion of the AU in the G20 is a significant stride towards a more inclusive global dialogue. It’s the first expansion of the influential bloc since its inception in 1999.

What significance does it hold for India?
• The AU’s inclusion is a big win for India, which has been championing the cause of 'Global South’. India has been fostering strong relationships with African nations, and this move further strengthens India’s position on the global stage.
• India and Africa can cooperate to ensure food and nutritional security, leveraging India’s agricultural expertise.
• As global players engage with Africa, India and Africa can prevent rival ambitions and maintain cooperation.