Bright Enabulele, a renowned pan-Africanist, and human rights activist has criticized the United States government over the withdrawal of Uganda, Gabon, Niger, and the Central African Republic (CAR) from its African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
FintechTelex understands that the US designed and floated AGOA in the year 2000 to promote economic growth through good governance and free markets.
The US-Africa trade program provides eligible sub-Saharan African countries with duty-free access to the US market for over 1,800 products, in addition to the more than 5,000 products that are eligible for duty-free access under the Generalized System of Preferences program.
However, in what appeared to be a surprising development, the President Joe Biden-led government disclosed that it would be expelling the aforementioned countries for either getting involved in “gross violations” of human rights or not making progress towards democratic rule.
Revealing the reasons for the withdrawal, President Biden said that Niger and Gabon – both of which are currently under military rule following coups this year – are ineligible for Agoa because they “have not established or are not making continual progress toward establishing the protection of political pluralism and the rule of law.”
He further stated that the removal of the CAR and Uganda from the program was due to “gross violations of internationally recognized human rights” by their governments.
Enabulele says the withdrawal calls for global debate
Displeased with the withdrawal, Enabulele, also known as Nana Obudadzie Oduwa I, stated that the US government was overestimating its importance.
Speaking at the just-concluded Ubuntu Economics Session, Nana stated that the US has no moral standard, or rights, to determine how Africans should live, or be governed.
”Because you don’t like our way of life doesn’t give you the right to classify us as a third-world country. We have our morals as Africans, we have our identity, and we as well, have our unique approach to governance. I don’t think deciding to go by our standards should be problematic,’‘ he stated.
Noting that while the AGOA program was designed to stimulate economic growth, Enabulele stated that the withdrawal of some African countries should prompt a deeper conversation on international trade and development strategies.
He added, ”It is an opportunity to advocate for more inclusive policies that consider the unique challenges and aspirations of each African nation. Rather than making sweeping classifications, we should engage in constructive dialogue and collaboration to foster economic stability, cultural preservation, and societal advancement across the continent. Such an approach aligns more closely with the principles of equity, respect, and partnership in global relations.”
