Africa's Multilateral Engagements:
Africa participates in multilateral forums like BRICS, G-20, and the United Nations General Assembly.
South Africa represents Africa in BRICS and G-20, despite the continent having 54 countries.
Challenges and Disruptors in Africa:
Africa and the Sahel region face challenges such as misgovernance, unplanned development, tribal dominance, and corruption.
New disruptors include Islamic terror, inter-tribal conflicts, climate change, food inflation, urbanization, and youth unemployment.
Foreign interventions, like those by France, the US, and Russia, sometimes worsen issues by protecting economic interests.
Return of Generals and Political Disorder:
Generals have regained power in countries like Egypt, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger due to socio-political disorder.
Military establishments are weak against challenges, but top brass holds political ambitions.
Challenges with Dealing with Military Takeovers:
African political elites struggle to counter the return of military rule.
Regional efforts to delegitimize and contain military regimes are less effective as such regimes increase.
Eroding International Support and Debts:
China's slowdown affects Africa's trade; Belt and Road Initiative leads to unsustainable debts and asset control.
Russia's involvement with the Wagner Group is uncertain due to internal issues.
Global Summits and Africa's Concerns:
15th BRICS summit with the theme "BRICS and Africa" took place; G-20 summit with Africa focus follows.
United Nations General Assembly session will highlight Africa's issues.
India's Relationship with Africa:
India's ties with Africa are deep and diverse, including historical connections.
India-Africa trade reached $98 billion in 2022-23; robust investment and engagement in various sectors.
India's Opportunity and Role:
India can leverage its strong ties to help Africa bilaterally and in multilateral forums.
Hosting the G-20 Summit provides a historic opportunity; India can collaborate for comprehensive solutions.
India can offer innovations like JAM trinity, DBT, UPI, and Aspirational Districts Programme.
By providing a participative and less exploitative alternative, India can create a win-win paradigm for India-Africa cooperation.
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