African Leaders Criticise Italy’s Ksh 963B Project for Kenya & 6 Other Countries
African leaders have expressed disapproval of Italy’s Ksh963 billion ($6 billion) initiative set to be implemented in Kenya and six other African nations, citing concerns that the planning of the project lacked inclusivity.
African leaders, including Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, have expressed that they were excluded from the conceptualization process, making it challenging to garner support for the continent.
“African countries would have liked to have been consulted before Italy rolled out its plan,” he said during his address on Monday.
“We cannot be happy with promises that are never maintained,” Mahamat stated.
Italy, which is now implementing the Mattei Plan as an approach to collaborate with African countries has stated that the plan is non-predatory and aims to foster collaboration as equals.
Nevertheless, African leaders are actively ensuring a thorough examination of Italy’s proposed partnership plans.
During the summit on Monday, Moussa Mahamat underscored that Africa possesses significant contributions and is not seeking partnerships out of necessity.
“Here, to be clearer, I must reiterate some previous statements and strongly underscore that Africa does not extend its hands to partners as a beggar,” stated Mahamat.
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Aboubakar Soumahoro, a former parliamentarian in Italy and another African leader echoed the sentiments of the AU chair. He highlighted that numerous Sub-Saharan nations were being excluded from the ongoing discussions.
“At the Italy-Africa summit, where the so-called Mattei Plan written by the Italian government for Africa without consulting Africans is being discussed, the absence of the countries of greatest origin of Sub-Saharan African immigrants weighs heavily,” he said.
Soumahoro, who serves as the deputy and coordinator of the parliamentary intergroup for Sub-Saharan Africa, underscored the importance of ensuring a just partnership for the youth in Africa.
Nevertheless, President William Ruto of Kenya has not yet conveyed his thoughts on the stance adopted by the dissenting African leaders.
Nevertheless, he has been enthusiastic about developing more robust strategies for the partnership between Kenya and the nation. The Head of State commended Italy’s decision to designate Kenya as its medical services hub in Africa.
“We are excited by the decision taken by Italy to settle on Nairobi as its medical services hub to serve our region. This will enhance our Universal Health Coverage plan. Kenya looks forward to broadening its ties in other strategic areas such as security, water, and transport,” the President stated.
African Leaders Criticise Italy’s Ksh 963B Project for Kenya & 6 Other Countries
