The G20, an international forum for economic cooperation comprising 19 countries and the European Union (EU), is convening its annual summit on September 9th and 10th, 2023, in New Delhi. Among the topics on the agenda in India is the potential accession of the African Union to this forum, which brings together the world’s largest economies. The European Union is notably supporting this accession.
The full membership of the African Union (AU) in the G20 is a key issue at the summit commencing on September 9th, 2023, in New Delhi. This candidacy is still awaiting validation by the 20 official members of the G20.
Azali Assoumani, the President of Comoros, arrived in India on the morning of September 8th. He has been invited to participate in the G20 in his capacity as the President of the AU, as reported by our special envoy to New Delhi, Dominique Baillard.
Indonesia and Australia are reportedly still undecided on supporting the AU’s accession. While the AU has been invited as a guest in previous meetings, it now aspires to achieve full-fledged status, garnering support from the majority of G20 members. Key endorsements have come from India, the host country of the summit, the United States, and notably, France and the European Union, the sole regional organization within the club.
Charles Michel, the President of the EU Council, expressed confidence, stating, “The African Union is a priority; let us ensure its membership in the G20. In the next two days, we will have a definitive response on this matter. For the European Union, there is no doubt. However, until a decision is made, a decision is not made.”