G20 Wrap | Day 1: Africa, debt and Dudula drama

G20 leaders on Saturday agreed to adopt a declaration at the end of the two day summit as they acknowledged that the debt crisis facing largely Global South countries needed to be addressed - all of this was done in the absence of representatives of the United States.

There was also drama outside the conference venue when members of Operation Dudula clashed with police near the Nasrec Expo Centre when supporters of the group tried to block G20 motorcades, police said.

About 42 countries and institutions were represented at the meeting on Saturday, but the US, under President Donald Trump – who has condemned South Africa’s position as host – was absent.

The declaration at the G20, particularly under the South African Presidency, plans to address global development challenges with a significant focus on Africa through a multi-faceted strategy centred on the principles of solidarity, equality, and sustainability.

Plans for addressing development challenges in Africa include major initiatives across finance, energy, food security, industrialisation, and technology:

Global leaders acknowledged that high levels of debt hinder inclusive growth and limit investment in development needs, particularly for low-income countries in Africa.

Member countries also acknowledged that addressing the severe energy access deficit in Africa—where over 600 million Africans lack electricity and an estimated 1 billion lack clean cooking access—is a priority.

They unanimously endorsed the recommendations set out by the report of the South Africa G20 Africa Expert Panel.

Leaders said the bloc must ensure the voice of the Global South is amplified in all global institutions, acknowledge the need for growth based on shared rules and fair trade, the rethinking of how global financial institutions operate and how to relieve the debt burden on developing countries.

This report, recently handed over to President Cyril Ramaphosa, demanded a shift from old development paradigms, which viewed countries in the global South as mere export centres for raw materials.

It also called for bold multilateral action to transform Africa's development path. Further, recognises the key role of the African Development Bank Group in realising productive investment across the continent, urging Africa to maintain high levels of economic growth.

Italy used the meeting to commit to halving the debt owed by African countries by 50%, with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni they will ensure the debt owed by low and middle income countries by half over the next decade.

Maxim Oreshkin, the deputy head of the Russian Federation’s presidential administration said the international economic order is in crisis and does not take into account new developments. 

“These days global economies are experiencing severe fragmentation which include sanctions, trade barriers and technological restriction. This destabilises global architecture and holds back global growth and undermines the (United Nation’s) SDGs (sustainable development goals).

Oreshkin said Africa needs growth to meet the needs of its young and fast growing populations. 

“Weak institutions that limit the financial flows of developing countries are not enough. Africa's total debt according to the IMF (International Monetary Fund) will reach three trillion dollars this year. The World Bank has provided more aid to Ukraine in the past three years than all the African countries combined,” Oreshkin said as he called on the G20 to remain a multilateral platform.

In the build up to the summit, police had warned that the venue would see a ring of steel in place and that any threats against delegates would not be tolerated.

National police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said two members of Operation Dudula, were arrested on Saturday after a police officer was injured and taken to a nearby medical facility during a violent protest.

She said the SAPS Public Order Policing (POP) unit has registered a case of public violence, assault of a police officer and contravention of a court order against Operation Dudula.

“This follows a protest near the G20 Leaders’ Summit in which Dudula members attempted to forcefully march towards the venue and block Baragwanth and Nasrec Road, a route used by foreign heads of state and dignitaries to access the summit.”

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za