Political instability, the breakdown of the rule of law and gross human rights violations could result in the termination of US trade benefits for Niger, Gabon, Uganda and the Central African Republic (CAR).
This was announced by President Joe Biden in Washington earlier this week.
The decision to exclude the four countries from further participation in the African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) could come into effect from January 1, 2024.
Reuters reported that Biden said he was taking the step because of "gross violations" of internationally recognised human rights by the CAR and Uganda.
“He also cited Niger and Gabon's failure to establish or make continual progress toward the protection of political pluralism and the rule of law,” the agency said.
"Despite intensive engagement between the United States and the CAR, Gabon, Niger and Uganda, these countries have failed to address US concerns about their non-compliance with the Agoa eligibility criteria," Biden said in a letter to the speaker of the House of Representatives.
News of the Biden Administration’s tough stance comes at a time when Louisana senator John Kennedy is advocating for the extension of Agoa by two decades, from 2025 when the act will come up for review.
However, inclusion in Agoa is dependent on regularly assessing “eligibility requirements”, such as adhering to internationally recognised human rights, upholding the basic rule of law and not supporting terrorism.
Although South Africa may not have the same pariah status as the African member countries that could be excluded from Agoa, the so-called non-alignment of Cyril Ramaphosa’s government to the war in Ukraine and its cosy relationship with countries like Iran, doesn’t bode well for trade relations with the US.
The exclusion of Niger, Gabon, CAR and Uganda serves as a warning sign for falling foul of Agoa eligibility requirements.
