Japan invites African Union to G7 summit at South Africa’s expense

The G7, a group of influential economic powers, generally rotates its presidencies, often inviting South Africa. This time, however, South Africa was not invited to take part in the summit organized by Japan. Instead, the African Union was invited instead of individual African countries.

South Africa has been a regular participant at G7 events since 1999, but this time it was left out. Japan’s decision to invite the African Union instead of individual African countries was criticized. The President of Comoros, Azali Assoumani, will therefore represent Africa at G7 meetings, rather than South Africa. This exclusion raises questions about the interests and motivations behind this decision.

Indeed, the G7 is widely regarded as having significant international influence. It is catalyzed by several major motives, notably efforts to combat the HIV pandemic. The group also provides financial assistance to developing countries and combats climate change. In any case, South Africa is rising up on the international stage and openly expressing its concerns without being influenced by anything.

Read more: South Africa renews its decision to leave the ICC

Why was South Africa excluded from the Japan event?

South Africa’s exclusion from the G7 summit is part of a wider context of rivalries and geopolitical interests. The G7 countries recently pledged economic sanctions against any nation supporting Russia in the Ukrainian conflict. So there’s a correlation between the events. Japan’s exclusion of South Africa was due to the fact that South Africans supported Russia.

It’s worth noting that Japan, which was bombed by atomic bombs during the Second World War, now maintains friendly relations with countries that didn’t take part in that war, making enemies of countries that did. This raises questions about interests and alliances in international relations.

The importance of preserving values

You have to realize that we live in a world where people want to centralize things. And when we have opinions contrary to those imposed, we are treated as dictators and exposed to sanctions.

South Africa’s exclusion from the G7 summit raises questions about the interests and power games at play in international relations. Japan’s decision to invite the African Union instead of individual African countries raises questions about the motives behind this decision. Did Japan do this to push South Africa to stop supporting Russia, or to arrest President Putin on his arrival in Johannesburg? Be that as it may, the South Africans’ reaction underlines the importance of remaining true to one’s convictions and not being afraid to defend one’s interests. Nelson Mandela, a wise man, once pointed out that the enemies of some are not necessarily the enemies of others.

Totally inspired by Zack Mwekassa’s video