The head of the African Union Commission stated that “we are not asking for handouts” while the Italian prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, presented a proposal to support African nations in exchange for reducing illegal immigration.
At the highly anticipated Italy-Africa summit in Rome, Moussa Faki expressed appreciation for Italy’s efforts to improve relations with the African continent for the benefit of both parties. However, he also pointed out that empty promises are not enough and concrete action is needed.
Faki stated that a “change in perspective” was necessary to bring about “a fresh approach to collaboration” and pave the path to “a fairer and more unified global community.” He emphasized, “Africa does not seek handouts. We are not pleading for assistance.”
Leaders and representatives from 45 African nations, including the presidents of Tunisia, Senegal, Kenya, the Republic of the Congo, Zimbabwe and Somalia, were in the Italian capital to hear the details of Meloni’s so-called “Mattei plan”, a flagship policy inspired by Enrico Mattei, the founder of the oil company Eni who in the 1950s pushed for Italy to support African countries to develop their natural resources and improve their economies.
The conference, held at the esteemed Palazzo Madame, which serves as the home of the Italian senate, was also graced by the presence of Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, Charles Michel, President of the European Council, and Roberta Metsola, leader of the EU parliament.
At the start of the event, Meloni announced that the project would receive an initial investment of over €5.5 billion (£4.7 billion) for various sectors such as energy, education, health, and infrastructure.
Meloni expressed a desire to create a new chapter in our collaboration. In the past, there has been a tendency to tell a one-sided story that portrays Africa as a poverty-stricken continent. However, this is not an accurate portrayal as Africa is rich in natural resources and has a youthful population.
Meloni stated that the project would involve equal collaboration and would not involve imposing or patronizing attitudes towards Africa.
The Africa plan was revealed by the Italian prime minister shortly after her far-right administration assumed power in October 2022. The primary objective of the plan is to make Italy a leading energy hub, as Europe reduces its dependence on Russian gas.
Meloni’s top concern in aiding the growth of African economies is reducing the number of migrants leaving the continent, a promise she has yet to fulfill.
Meloni has been advocating for assistance to be provided to Africans in their home countries rather than having them migrate. She emphasized the importance of combatting human trafficking and stated that individuals should not be forced to migrate in search of a better life that may be hard to attain in Europe.
She stated at the summit that mass immigration cannot be halted and human traffickers cannot be overcome unless we tackle the underlying factors that compel individuals to flee their homes.
Meloni is working towards making Italy a leader in strengthening Europe’s influence in Africa. She also stated that the participation of EU leaders at the summit demonstrates Europe’s backing of her country’s efforts.
Von der Leyen stated that this is a time of close and rejuvenated collaboration between Africa and Europe. She emphasized that not only are our fates intertwined, but our interests are also more closely aligned than ever before.
According to Metsola, Africa is home to 12 out of the 20 economies with the highest growth rate in the world. She believes that when Africa experiences prosperity, it will also benefit Europe and the rest of the world.
According to Raffaele Marchetti, a professor of international relations at Luiss University in Rome, Meloni is taking advantage of the weakened stances of France and Germany in Africa in order to bolster Italy’s influence.
He stated that Italy has a crucial chance to make progress. Despite being a colonial power, Italy’s approach was relatively minor and unique compared to other countries. As a result, it is perceived as a nation that can establish equitable relationships.
According to Riccardo Magi, the leader of the minor leftist party Più Europa, there is still “significant confusion” surrounding the implementation of the plan’s goals.
He expressed doubt about Von der Leyen attending the summit. Magi stated, “She has previously attended events with Meloni, such as the EU’s failed migration deal with Tunisia last summer. Therefore, her presence can no longer be considered a sign of reliability or credibility.”
According to Anna Bono, a scholar of African history at the University of Torino, the Mattei plan should be welcomed.
She stated that the most crucial aspect, aside from the spoken words, would be to successfully locate African leaders who genuinely desire the development of their countries. This means refraining from viewing their countries as personal assets to be exploited, which is a common mindset among many African leaders.
On Monday, there was a new development where Albania’s court of law made a decision in support of a contentious agreement made with Italy to establish two temporary facilities for individuals who have been rescued in Italian waters.
In November, Meloni announced an agreement that would involve a non-EU country hosting 3,000 individuals initially and potentially processing up to 36,000 annually.
According to the agreement, which has faced criticism from human rights organizations but is quietly supported by the EU, individuals who are assigned to Albania would be those who were saved by Italian boats. Minors, pregnant women, and vulnerable individuals would be transported to Italy.
In December, Albania’s constitutional court caused a problem by preventing lawmakers from ratifying the legislation. Chief judge Olta Zaçaj announced a hearing for Thursday to decide if the agreement goes against Albania’s constitution.
Some critics are claiming that the deal, which has been likened to the UK’s agreement with Rwanda, poses several legal challenges. They argue that for Italy to have jurisdiction in Albania, Tirana would essentially have to give up some of its land to Rome.
On Monday, the highest court in Albania released a statement stating that the agreement does not pose a threat to the country’s territorial integrity.
The court’s decision follows closely after a vote by Italian MPs in support of the agreement. The lower chamber of parliament approved the protocol with 155 votes in favor, 115 against, and two abstentions.
The text will now be sent to the senate, where it is anticipated to receive approval as well.
Source: theguardian.com
