San Diego City Wire

Congresswoman Sara Jacobs (CA-51), Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, introduced a resolution supporting the African Union’s permanent membership in the Group of 20 (G20). Building on the commitments made at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit in 2022, the resolution calls on the U.S. to use its voice, vote, and influence at the G20 to expeditiously facilitate the African Union’s permanent membership.

House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (NY-05), all the Democratic Members of the House Foreign Africa Subcommittee on Africa, Representatives Jonathan Jackson (IL-01), Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick (FL-20), and Colin Allred (TX-32), in addition to Representative Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37) are co-leading the resolution.

“For centuries, the West – including the United States – has largely ignored, neglected, and exploited the African continent for its own gain and Africa’s loss,” said Congresswoman Sara Jacobs, Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa. “But I’m glad that we’re attempting to change that painful legacy. I’m proud to introduce this resolution to follow through on commitments made at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit and support the African Union’s permanent membership at the G20. The African continent has the youngest and fastest-growing population and deserves to be at the table as the international community debates and decides the path forward on global challenges and opportunities. The African Union’s role in the G20 would ensure the global governance system is more just, fair, inclusive, and representative of all the voices in the world.”

Ranking Member Gregory Meeks said, “It is long overdue that we fully recognize the role of Africa in global affairs, beyond the scope of the continent alone. African countries represent a rapidly growing share of the world’s population and need a permanent seat at the table in multilateral fora. I was pleased to see the Biden administration commit to this at the U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit; it is time to deliver.”

“African ingenuity and innovation will undoubtedly shape our world for years to come,” said Congresswoman Cherfilus-McCormick (D-FL). “It is only fitting that the African Union has a permanent seat at the G20 table, driving conversations surrounding global governance and tackling the most pressing international issues at hand. The United States has not only the vote, but the sheer influence needed to secure membership for the African Union.” 

“Supporting the African Union's permanent seat at the G20 isn't just symbolism, it’s strategic necessity. Africa is home to 17% of the world's population and has the world’s second fastest-growing economy. The continent's contributions to global discourse on development, sustainability, and policy can no longer be sidelined. It's high time we acknowledged this and invited Africa to the main table of global decision-making,” said Congressman Jonathan Jackson.

“With all the challenges we face across the world, the global community must work together across every region and that means a broader representation from African nations in the G20,” said Congressman Allred. “The African Union’s membership to the G20 would be a positive step toward that goal. I proudly support this resolution and efforts to promote democracy and good governance in partnership with our African allies.” 

“The African continent’s underrepresentation at the G20 is long overdue for correction. Home to the world’s fastest growing economy and population, Africa is uniquely affected by G20 decisions and is well positioned to contribute solutions to G20 concerns. African Union membership in the G20 will enhance the forum’s credibility and its ability to tackle shared global challenges,” said Congresswoman Kamlager-Dove. “It’s time we recognize the value of including African voices in global decision-making. I’m proud to introduce this resolution with my colleagues on the Africa Subcommittee to emphasize Congressional support for the African Union’s inclusion as a permanent member of the G20. We all benefit when Africa has a seat at the table.” 

Original source can be found here.