The African Union's (AU) accession to the Group of Twenty (G20) marked a turning point for the continent's representation in global governance, AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf said in Addis Ababa. Ethiopia.
The AU was invited to join the G20 in September 2023. China was the first country to explicitly express its support for the AU's membership in the G20 -- consistent with its support for the AU in playing a greater role in global governance.
In an interview with China Media Group (CMG) aired on Friday, Youssouf said that the inclusion of the AU in the G20 is important in making sure Africa has a better representation in today's multilateral world.
"The G20 is a platform, So when decisions are made for Africa, we need to have our say in those decisions. So this platform helps us to voice our expectations and also to be vocal on the things that we don't understand that we need to see change, climate change, the decisions globally that is made on financial architecture, the decisions made on UN Security Council," he said.
In a world filled with challenges and uncertainties, it's crucial for African countries to speak in unison, especially in global decision making, the AU chief said.
"Africa has 55 countries. You see it's a powerful leverage that we have there. So if we manage to speak as if we were one country, I think we will really make a big difference in the global decision making. So that's why we are working with China and very loyal partners, so that our voice counts and our also expectations be taken on board. And I think it's very important to understand that if you are not aware of your strength, then you cannot use it. So that's why we are saying we need to be everywhere where decisions are made globally and in particular when those decisions affect the African peoples and African continent," Youssouf said.
African Union entry into G20 boosts continent’s voice in global governance: AU chief
The usually bustling streets in the travel hub of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remain quiet while the city's airport -- normally one of the busiest in the world -- is practically deserted following Iranian missile attacks that have affected civilian areas over the past few days.
Joint military strikes launched by the U.S. and Israel on Iran on Saturday have triggered a sharp escalation across the Middle East, setting off waves of missile exchanges, mounting casualties, and far-reaching political and security repercussions.
Iran has responded with retaliatory strikes on various targets, with explosions reported in numerous countries including the UAE.
In recent days, the sounds of blasts have echoed in Dubai, leading to a noticeable decrease in the number of people and vehicles on the streets, while UAE authorities have advised residents to remain vigilant.
The closure of airspace across the Gulf region has also caused widespread disruption and left hundreds of thousands of passengers stranded.
Dubai International Airport now appears virtually empty, with no information displayed on the arrival boards.
Only one screen is operational for departures, and while the majority of flights have been canceled, the UAE has now started permitting a limited number to take off via what it is calling "safe air corridors" in careful coordination with other Gulf countries.
Some travelers gathered in the airport's waiting area on Tuesday, hoping to secure a spot on one of the handful of flights out of the country.
"I'm going back to India. I'm really excited. I came as a tourist. I arrived a week ago. I should have left on Sunday. But I'm leaving on Tuesday, today, two days later," said one Indian traveler.
However, many more remain stuck and can only wait patiently for more updates from airlines.
"I bought one (ticket) a month ago. But the plane that should fly now is canceled. I cannot fly away," said a stricken visitor from Germany.
Despite the circumstances, others say they will stay put and see how the situation unfolds.
"Yeah, I will stay in Dubai," said a worker from Uganda.
The number of visitors in the typically lively Dubai Mall is also noticeably down, while the landmark Apple Store is also presently closed.
The UAE's Ministry of Defense said on Wednesday that its air defense systems have intercepted close to 900 Iranian drones since the crisis erupted.
The ministry also confirmed that the attacks on the UAE have resulted in three fatalities as well as 78 minor injuries.
Dubai streets remain quiet as travel disruption continues after Iranian attacks
