79 CSOS present seven- point demand as Italy- Africa summit opens
Athe Italian government begins its much- anticipated Italy- Africa Summit today, with over 50 delegations, mainly from African countries, as well as European Union ( EU) leaders and representatives of international organisations arriving Rome, about 79 Civil Society Organisations ( CSOS) based in Africa, have presented a seven- point demand.
The demands are: end to neocolonial approaches by European countries; transparency, participation and inclusion of African civil societies; access to energy and energy transition; adoption of an integrated approach to Africa’s climate, energy and development issues; tackling of global and African adaptation finance gaps; regaining selfsufficiency in food production and acknowledging the huge role climate crisis plays in migration, and why the continued ‘ dash for gas’ in Africa by Italy and other European nations is perpetuating the climate emergency.
The purpose of the conference is to present Italy’s strategic plan that aims to review the country’s approach to the African continent.
To show seriousness, Italian premier, Giorgia Meloni, had unveiled a “non- predatory” approach to foster cooperation.
The plan, dubbed “Mattei Plan”, is named after Enrico Mattei, an Italian public administrator who, in the 1950s, encouraged Italy to support North African governments to grow their economies and develop their natural resources.
The strategy is to cost around three million Euros yearly and has a four- year duration. The goal is to enhance energy cooperation with African countries, and help them in different areas, including health, education, and other sectors, with the main purpose being to address the root economic causes of mass migration from Africa.
In a letter addressed to President of the Italian Republic, Sergio Mattarella; President, Council of Ministers, Giorgia Meloni and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Antonio Tajani, the CSOS said the Mattei Plan needs African voices at its core.