belarus joins brics as kremlin seeks western counterbalance
After Algeria, Nigeria, and Uganda, Belarus has officially become a partner of the BRICS group, where Russia plays a leading role. The Kremlin wants this alliance to serve as a counterbalance to Western countries, particularly those in the G7.
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BRICS, originally composed of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, aims to transform the global economic structure.
Algeria, Nigeria, and Uganda became new partners of BRICS after the summit in Kazan, which concluded in October. Now Belarus joins the group of partner countries.
The "partner" status in BRICS does not entail full membership in the organisation, but obtaining it is a mandatory step preceding membership. Partner status allows participation in the group's activities despite not meeting all formal criteria.
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Queue of African countries to BRICS
Waiting for their applications to be considered are the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Comoros, Gabon, Morocco, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, and Angola. At last year's BRICS summit, a representative from Namibia was present, but the country ultimately did not opt for membership. Kenya, one of Africa's strongest economies, also did not join BRICS despite intense persuasion.
BRICS encompasses about 42% of the world's population, 30% of land area, and 24% of economic production. Despite this, the bloc faces internal divisions and differences.
China, with its powerful economy, contrasts with Ethiopia, where nearly 30 million people live in extreme poverty (translating to about £66 million). Disputes regarding relations with the United States and positions on Russia's invasion of Ukraine are additional problems. The conflict over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Nile could turn into a war between Egypt and Ethiopia, while tensions between Algeria and Morocco are another challenge.
The increasing number of African members could both enhance BRICS' influence and provoke new tensions.
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Source: NEXTA/WP News
