- Plans to exclude Uganda, Gabon, Niger, and the Central African Republic from a unique US-Africa trade initiative have been revealed by US President Joe Biden. Because to their participation in “gross violations” of human rights or their lack of progress toward democratic governance, the nations are deemed unsuitable for Agoa.
- Introduced in 2000, the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) allows duty-free entry to the United States for over 1,800 items for qualifying sub-Saharan African nations.
- Agoa is not applicable to Niger or Gabon, which were overthrown by military coups this year and are not advancing steadily in developing mechanisms to safeguard political plurality and the rule of law.
- Due to “gross violations of internationally recognized human rights” by their governments, Uganda and the Central African Republic have been removed from the program.
- In the past, the US government has stopped funding several foreign assistance initiatives that help the government of Niger and suspended the majority of its foreign aid to Gabon.
- The US government’s newest move against the two junta-led nations is the threat to exclude them from Agoa. The four nations have not yet responded to the news.
- Since Agoa has been credited with encouraging exports, economic growth, and the creation of jobs among member nations, the expulsion from the organization is anticipated to have an effect on their respective economies.
Source:
BBC
