The African Union is to join the Group of 20 (G20) as a permanent member, India’s prime minister Narendra Modi announced Saturday as he inaugurated a leaders’ summit in New Delhi for the world’s wealthiest nations. In his opening speech, Modi invited the chair of the African Union, Azali Assoumani, to take his seat as a permanent member of the grouping as other leaders applauded and looked on. This step will, however, make the body a permanent member, like the European Union is, potentially turning the G20 into the G21 and giving the African bloc a front-row seat at one of the world’s most powerful global governance bodies. Modi has previously spoken of his intention to include the African Union in the grouping. One of the first things we did during our G20 Presidency was to hold the Voice of the Global South summit, which had enthusiastic participation from Africa.

Source: Nigerian Tribune September 09, 2023 14:31 UTC