US President Joe Biden has outlined plans to remove four African countries from trade deal. The countries include; Uganda, Gabon, Niger, and the Central African Republic (CAR).
These countries will be removed from a special US-Africa trade program due to concerns about human rights violations and democratic progress. The African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa), established in 2000, offers duty-free access to the US for over 1,800 products for eligible sub-Saharan African nations.
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President Biden stated that Niger and Gabon, currently under military rule post-coups, were ineligible for Agoa due to the lack of progress in ensuring political pluralism and the rule of law. Meanwhile, CAR and Uganda faced expulsion due to significant human rights violations, with Uganda under scrutiny for a controversial anti-homosexuality law.
US To Remove Four African Countries From Trade Deal
The decision is set to impact their economies, as Agoa has been instrumental in boosting exports, economic growth, and job creation. Despite the impending impact, CAR, with a trade deficit and minimal US exports, might be the least affected. Uganda, Gabon, and Niger, however, face potential economic repercussions, given their recorded export values to the US. President Museveni of Uganda noted that the passing of the anti-homosexuality law had already led to canceled textile orders from American companies.
This action is part of a series of measures taken against military-led governments, with the US suspending aid to Gabon until democratic rule is established and pausing aid programs for Niger. Previously, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Guinea were expelled from Agoa following military coups in those countries.
“Despite intensive engagement between the United States and the Central African Republic, Gabon, Niger, and Uganda, these countries have failed to address United States concerns about their non-compliance with the Agoa eligibility criteria,” President Biden said on Monday, in a letter addressed to the speaker of the US House of Representatives.
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