Belarus joins BRICS as Russia seeks global influence boost
After Algeria, Nigeria, and Uganda, Belarus has officially become a partner of the BRICS group, where Russia plays a leading role. The Kremlin aims for this alliance to act as a counterbalance to Western countries, particularly the powers grouped in the G7.
BRICS, originally consisting of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, seeks to transform the global economic structure.
Algeria, Nigeria, and Uganda became new partners of BRICS following the summit in Kazan, which concluded in October. Now Belarus joins the group of partner countries.
The "partner" status in BRICS does not entail full membership in the organization, but obtaining it is a necessary step preceding membership. Partner status allows participation in the group's activities, even if all formal criteria are not met.
Queue of African countries to BRICS
The Democratic Republic of the Congo, the Comoros, Gabon, Morocco, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, Zimbabwe, Cameroon, and Angola are waiting for their applications to be considered. At last year's BRICS summit, a representative from Namibia was present, but the country ultimately did not opt for membership. Kenya, one of Africa's strongest economies, also did not join BRICS despite intense persuasion.
BRICS encompasses about 42% of the world's population, 30% of land area, and 24% of economic output. Despite this, the bloc faces internal divisions and differences.
China, with its powerful economy, contrasts with Ethiopia, where nearly 30 million people live in extreme poverty (translating to about 30 million kilograms). Disputes regarding relations with the United States and positions on Russia's invasion of Ukraine are additional challenges. The conflict over the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam on the Nile could lead to a war between Egypt and Ethiopia, while tensions between Algeria and Morocco present another challenge.
The increasing number of African members could both enhance BRICS' influence and provoke new tensions.
