Algeria Notably Absent from List of New BRICS Members

Leaders of the BRICS alliance have extended invitations to six new member states, with Algeria being notably absent from the list of new members.

Rabat – Leaders of the BRICS alliance have extended invitations to six new member states, with Algeria being notably absent from the list of new members.

The North African country will not be joining the organization despite its open interest in doing so over the past year, with president Abdelmadjid Tebboune confirming that the country had formally applied to join during a recent visit to China.

Tebboune was also absent from the BRICS summit which took place in South Africa, raising eyebrows as Algeria was expected to continue its heavy involvement with the group.

Over the past year, there has been open discussion by various officials in the media about Algeria joining the organization, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov saying earlier this year that Algeria “possesses features and advantages that put it above the others looking to join BRICS group.”

The list of new members includes Saudi Arabia, Iran, Ethiopia, Egypt, Argentina, and the United Arab Emirates, a significant expansion aimed at advocating for the interests of the “global south” and amplify the coalition’s influence.

The BRICS organization, which also includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, is seeking to enhance its stature on the global stage amidst increasing geopolitical tensions.

The addition of the new nations could potentially open doors for other countries aspiring to join BRICS, especially at a time when the international balance of power is undergoing significant shifts.

The new entrants are set to officially become members on January 1, 2024, as announced by South African President Cyril Ramaphosa during the summit.

The BRICS coalition, accounting for nearly 40% of the global population and a quarter of the world’s gross domestic product, has historically struggled to present a unified agenda, limiting its effectiveness as a major player on the international stage.Over 40 countries have expressed interest in joining BRICS, with 22 formally applying for admission.