For the first time, Chad’s President, Idriss Deby, is taking part to the G20 – group of world’s 20 most influent countries – summit of world leaders which is taking place in Hangzou, China, on September 4 and 5, 2016. Recently re-elected, President Deby came to the meeting as acting president of the African Union which was invited by China.

On the sidelines of the meeting, Deby met with Jacob Zuma, President of South Africa which is a member of the G20, and President Macky Sall from Senegal, who is at the meeting for the third time as acting President of NEPAD (Nouveau Partnerariat pour le Développement de l’Afrique).

According to an information disclosed by the Chadian presidency, the meeting between the three leaders lasted more than an hour. However, no further detail was revealed regarding the meeting. However, the presence of these African leaders at the summit is quite meaningful considering its theme, namely: “Towards an Innovative, Invigorated, Interconnected and Inclusive World Economy”.

Despite it being the planet’s last growth border and holding significant raw materials reserves, Africa continues lagging in development indices, with more poor and fragile populations. However, the continent has become a battle field where major powers fight to gain new market shares or preserve those they have

At the summit, President Sall and Idriss Deby mentioned the reinforcement of their economic ties with China, a few days only after assisting to a cooperation meeting with Japan in Nairobi, Kenya.

Chad’s President also used this opportunity to talk with other leaders, including Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau who said his country was eager to boost its commitment to Africa, as part of the United Nations.

Macky Sall for his part said Africa needed no more support, but partnerships rather.

It should be recalled that the presence of African leaders to the summit comes after a long series of preparatory meetings to which only South Africa often took part, being a member of the G20.

Though inclusion was at the center of the discussions, there was no talk about increasing the commitments of developed economies to limit illicit financial flows. Yet, according to the African High Level Panel, Africa loses $50 billion each year due to these flows. This is why not all African leaders share President Sall’s opinion regarding financial assistance. During the last African caucus, African ministers of economy and finance wished for Bretton Woods’ institutions to increase their financial support to Africa.

Idriss Linge