Prime Minister Narendra Modi has written to the leaders of the G20 nations proposing that the African Union be given full membership of the grouping at its upcoming summit in India.
- Currently, South Africa is the only African country that enjoys member status in the G20.
- India’s proposal to grant the African Union full member status mirrors the status already granted to the European Union.
- Three of the EU’s member states- France, Italy and Germany- are already part of the body.
- The members of the G20 are: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the European Union.
Key points
- The African Union (AU) is a continental body consisting of 55 member states.
- The African Union is considered the topmost grouping representing the voice of Africa.
- It has been working towards ensuring the progress and economic growth of the African nations.
- It was officially launched in 2002 as a successor to the Organization of African Unity.
- The organisation’s main goal is to promote and accelerate the political and socio-economic integration of the continent.
- It also focuses on encouraging international cooperation, protecting human rights and promoting and defending common African positions on key issues.
