AU Membership in G20 Important in Fostering Diversified Global Alliances, Cooperation: Former Chair
Addis Ababa: Former African Union (AU) Chairperson and Comoros President Assoumani said the inclusion of Africa in G20 is important in fostering diversified global alliances and opportunities for cooperation.
In an interview with the Ethiopian News Agency (ENA), the former chair said Africa’s membership in the G20 on September 9, 2023 holds great significance in achieving industrialization and collaborating with organizations.
Joining the G20 will not only diversify global alliances and open avenues for cooperation but also helps to attract investment for local resource processing and manufacturing, he added.
Noting that AU’s main priority is to achieve industrialization, President Assoumani stated that the membership will help the continent expedite industrialization, besides its contribution to strengthening Africa’s global alliances.
“Africa has a lot of resources, but unfortunately we do not process them in the continent. That is why it is important for us to work with organizations like G-20 so that
they can invest in Africa and process and produce goods in Africa.”
Moreover, he urged the Union and its member countries to strive for Africa’s rightful place in international organizations.
During his tenure, the former chair acknowledged challenges related to peace and security, climate change, food crises, and the blue economy the continent faced.
Expressing concern over the Union’s previous unsuccessful endeavors, he emphasized the importance of a stronger AU to drive positive change.
According to him, most of the issues planned by the Union in recent years have failed. And ‘if we continue on this path, we will not be able to bring about better changes than in the past.’
The president also added that it is time for the African Union to be stronger than ever in tackling the problems.
Despite the shortcomings, he revealed that institutional reform is progressing successfully.
Furthermore, President Assoumani noted that the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) remains a flagship project for th
e AU.
While progress in integration and establishing the AFCFTA zone has been slower than anticipated, he stressed the need for strong efforts to accelerate ratification of the AFCFTA Agreement.
The president commended achievements in terms of ratifications and tariff offers submitted to the AFCFTA Secretariat.
Emphasizing the need for unity among African leaders to address challenges such as peace, security, and development, the former chair called for a stronger AU to effectively tackle these issues and promote Africa’s economic independence.
President Assoumani, who is succeeded by Mauritania’s President Ghazouani as AU Chairperson, finally pointed out the adverse effects of the frequent coups d’etat and conflicts in Africa
Source: Ethiopian News Agency