The United States, African Union and African Union Commission have affirmed commitment to reinforce longstanding areas of cooperation and expand partnership to better meet the shared challenges and opportunities of their dynamic era.
In a joint statement released by the leadership of President Joe Biden, the AU Chair who double as the Senegalese President, Macky Sall and AU Commission Chair, Moussa Faki Mahamat at the just concluded US-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington DC, America.
The United States and African nations recognized that the world is quickly changing, and this Summit reflected how nations relationship is evolving with it.
“We will deepen our collaboration to solve global problems and shape rules of road for technology, space, cybersecurity, trade, environmental protection, and economics.
“Our partnership is based on a conviction that Africa’s governments and peoples will help define the future of the international order to address our world’s most pressing challenges.
“The United States, for its part, will support and work to realize greater and long overdue, African representation in international institutions, including those that shape global governance”.
While United States announced a plan to reform the United Nations Security Council, including support for permanent seats for countries in Africa, Latin America, Caribbean, and voiced support for the African Union to join the G20 as a permanent member.
“We will continue to lead with our shared values, which includes commitment to the United Nations Charter and to defending sovereignty and territorial integrity of all states”.
Recall that at the Summit, US, AU announced new investments and initiatives that will equip American and African institutions and citizens to respond to emerging opportunities and challenges in an increasingly urban and connected world.
“Our renewed and expanded partnership is critical to tackling the food security and climate crises, strengthening health systems and preparing for next pandemic, building strong and inclusive global economy, supporting good governance and respect for human rights, and advancing peace and security”.
They further dedicated to responding to current food security crisis and bolstering resilient and sustainable food systems. “Recognizing today’s acute food security needs, which have been heightened by the war in Ukraine, we plan to continue to partner to supply humanitarian assistance to vulnerable communities.
“But responding to emergencies is not enough; we announced a new strategic partnership that seeks to deepen our collaboration to increase food production capacity and diversify and strengthen the resilience of food supply chains”.
Moreso, US, AU recognized that many of the world’s countries that are most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change are in Africa.
“Building on the progress made at COP27, we jointly stress the urgency and importance of reducing greenhouse gas emissions and pursuing a just energy transition, while partnering to build resilience to climate hazards.
“We are committed to supporting climate adaptation and resilience efforts and will work to facilitate enhanced collaboration among our respective governments, other international partners, education and research institutions, and private sectors to do so”.
Reaffirming their shared commitment to prevent, detect, and respond to infectious disease threats, US, AU moved to expand their support to strengthen the region’s health workforce, regional manufacturing capacity, and health infrastructure.
“We have deepened the partnership between the United States and Africa CDC to achieve our shared global health goals”, they added.
To enhance their collaboration to promote inclusive growth and sustainable development, they promised to bring together businesses and government leaders to advance two-way trade and accelerate investment in quality infrastructure.
“We will leverage our institutions and programs, in addition to strengthening enabling environments, to realize this shared aspiration.
“This will include expanded engagement and cooperation between the United States and African countries to support the aims of the Agreement Establishing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)”.
They boldly said there will be an increase in their cooperation to tackle insecurity, criminality, and terrorism. “We affirm that locally led approaches are essential to advancing our mutual interest in a peaceful and secure Africa.
“We understand that economic inequality, political marginalization, and abuse of power are drivers of conflict. We will adopt more holistic approach to address insecurity, promote transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights.
“We will reinforce our commitment to democracy, the rule of law, and human rights. Importantly, we will focus on restoring civilian rule in countries currently in transition and demonstrate that democracy delivers across the region”.
Adding that like all partners, there will sometimes be disagreement. “Rather than allow these differences to divide or define the partnership, we will include areas of divergence on the agenda and welcome respectful debate as a sign of the strength and maturity of our relationships.
“Through our partnership, we will harness the dynamism of the African and American peoples to enhance prosperity on both sides of the Atlantic.
“Our vibrant business, civil society, and people-to-people ties are sources of strength that we will leverage with greater purpose than before. We will prioritize engagement with members of African Diaspora, whose voices are critical in United States and around the world”.
Recognizing the importance of implementing the commitments discussed at the Summit, US, AU intended to accelerate high-level exchanges and dedicate senior diplomats to carry out their joint vision for a 21st century partnership.
Saying, “The future of Africa and the United States depends on what we can achieve together. We will redouble our efforts to ensure our partnership delivers results for our peoples and the world”.