TheJakartaPost

Please Update your browser

Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.

Jakarta Post

Germany backs African Union spot in G20

"We want to support the African Union getting a seat in the G20," Chancellor Olaf Scholz told reporters in a statement broadcast on news channel NTV.

AFP
Berlin, Germany
Fri, May 5, 2023

Share This Article

Change Size

Germany backs African Union spot in G20 German Chancellor Olaf Scholz addresses the General Assembly at the United Nations on September 20, 2022 in New York City. After two years of holding the session virtually or in a hybrid format, 157 heads of state and representatives of government are expected to attend the General Assembly in person. Stephanie Keith/Getty Images/AFP (AFP/Stephanie Keith)
G20 Indonesia 2022

Germany on Thursday called for the African Union to get a permanent seat in the Group of 20 major economies in the hopes of elevating the continent's role. 

"We want to support the African Union getting a seat in the G20," Chancellor Olaf Scholz told reporters in a statement broadcast on news channel NTV.

Scholz's comments came as he began a three-day trip to East Africa, aimed at strengthening ties with the region.

The German leader kicked off his visit in Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa, where the African Union has its seat.

Scholz echoed a similar call made by US President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron last year.

As it stands, South Africa is the only African member of the G20, which was launched in its current form during the 2008 financial crisis as a way to bring together the world's top economies. 

There is precedent for international organisations participating in the G20, with the European Union also holding a seat.

The then chair of the African Union, Senegalese President Mack Sall, was invited to the G20 meeting in Indonesia last year by the hosts.

Scholz travels Friday to Kenya. 

 

{

Your Opinion Matters

Share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you've encountered on The Jakarta Post. We're here to listen.

Enter at least 30 characters
0 / 30

Thank You

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We appreciate your feedback.