SOUTH AFRICA/INDIA: The African Union, a continental body with 55 member nations, is set to become a permanent member of the European Union, according to reports. The move would elevate the African Union from an “invited international organization” to one with the same standing as the European Union, the only regional bloc currently having a full membership.
The AU’s admission into the G20 group is still being considered, according to a senior South African government official. The finalization may be announced by Friday, and a veto of the resolution is still possible. It was unclear whether the decision will be disclosed at the annual G20 leaders’ summit in New Delhi this weekend.
In June, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has suggested that the AU be granted full, permanent membership in the organization during the upcoming G20 summit in India.
Modi has praised African countries’ largest-ever participation in the G20 and pushed for the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member. The G20, consisting of the European Union and 19 other nations, accounts for nearly two-thirds of the world’s population, 75% of global trade, and 85% of the world’s GDP.
The formalization of membership is expected next year, following Brazil’s takeover of the G20 presidency from India. No members have objected to this move, according to reports.
In advance of the Delhi summit, South Africa, which has backed AU entry, refrained from responding right away. Speaking on behalf of the South African president, Vincent Magwenya said, “We wouldn’t comment at this time until the official announcement or after the summit.”
A number of nations, including Germany, Brazil, South Africa, and Canada, have also expressed support for membership in the African Union.
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