Algeria Emerges as Front-Runner for BRICS Membership Among African Countries, Russian Report Says
BY: Hana Saada
ALGIERS- In a recent report released by the prestigious “Russian Council for International Affairs,” it has been revealed that Algeria stands as the most likely candidate among six African nations to join the coveted BRICS group. This selection is attributed to Algeria’s long-standing close ties with Russia, making it an ideal contender for membership.
The Russian Council’s report highlights Algeria’s keen interest in expanding its economic horizons through BRICS, expressing its capability to establish a collective standpoint on a range of global political issues. Notably, Algeria’s non-involvement in most global and regional conflicts, barring the historical dispute with Morocco, positions it as a potential contributor to BRICS’ aim of avoiding entanglement in acute military and political challenges.
In recent months, six African countries have officially voiced their aspirations to become part of the BRICS group, bringing the total number of prospective candidates to an impressive 20. Alongside Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, and Ethiopia have expressed their desire to join the ranks of this influential bloc.
The Russian Council for International Affairs acknowledges that not all potential candidates are expected to be granted BRICS membership. The group now faces the daunting task of managing the expansion process while ensuring inclusivity without excluding any country.
The report underlines the significance of geographical representation, making a compelling case for the inclusion of African nations within BRICS. Such a move would help eliminate the perceived “Asian bias” resulting from the presence of three BRICS members located wholly or partly in Asia.
To achieve a more diverse and representative membership, several factors should be considered, including religious and linguistic affiliations, as well as the economic situations of potential member states. As such, increasing the presence of Muslim, Francophone, and Arabic-speaking countries within the BRICS group has become imperative.
The BRICS group, consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, represents the fastest-growing economies in the world. Together, they form a formidable global economic bloc, accounting for a quarter of the global GDP in 2021. This share continues to rise as these countries strengthen their influence across various sectors, including agriculture, mining, and space exploration.
However, the primary objective of the BRICS group, as outlined in their economic partnership strategy until 2025, is not to monopolize the global market, but rather to promote interdependence. This vision encompasses building mutually beneficial relationships across all sectors, from the economy to human connectivity.
The Russian Council’s report reiterates that the alliance among these nations is not aimed at countering any other force but rather strives for mutual and long-term benefits. The BRICS group seeks to establish a platform for cooperation and collaboration, fostering a new era of global economic interconnectedness.
As Algeria emerges as the frontrunner among African countries vying for BRICS membership, the world awaits further developments in this dynamic landscape. The potential inclusion of Algeria and other African nations promises to strengthen BRICS’ representation, facilitating a more balanced and inclusive platform for global economic cooperation.
