India and the African Union deferred the summit after consultations over the Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa….reports Africa Newsdesk
India and the African Union have decided to postpone the Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit (IAFS IV), which was scheduled to be held in New Delhi from May 28 to 31, following consultations over the evolving public health situation in parts of Africa.
In a joint statement issued on Thursday, both sides said they had been working closely to convene the summit, but agreed that holding the high level gathering at a later date would ensure fuller participation from African leaders and stakeholders.
The discussions between India and the African Union focused on the emerging health situation across parts of the African continent and the need to strengthen cooperation on public health preparedness and response mechanisms.
India reaffirmed its solidarity with African nations and expressed readiness to support efforts led by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and relevant national institutions in tackling the evolving health challenges.
The statement noted that consultations were held between the Government of India, the Chairperson of the African Union and the African Union Commission regarding the summit and related events.
“Following these consultations, the two sides agreed that it would be advisable to convene the Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit at a later date,” the statement said.
Fresh dates for the summit and associated meetings will be announced after mutual consultations between both sides.
India and the African Union also reiterated their longstanding partnership based on solidarity, mutual respect and South–South cooperation.
The two sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace, development, prosperity and the well being of their people, while underlining the importance of continued collaboration across sectors.
The India–Africa Forum Summit is considered a key platform for enhancing political, economic and strategic ties between India and African nations. The last edition of the summit was held in 2015 in New Delhi, where leaders from across the African continent participated in discussions on trade, investment, security, healthcare and development cooperation.
Meanwhile, the Democratic Republic of Congo has intensified its Ebola response measures after authorities reported hundreds of suspected cases and more than 130 deaths linked to the latest outbreak in the country’s eastern provinces.
According to an official Ebola situation report released by the Congolese government on May 19, authorities have recorded 513 suspected cases, including eight laboratory confirmed infections, across affected regions in Ituri and North Kivu provinces.
The report stated that at least 131 deaths have been recorded so far, including four healthcare workers. Sixty nine patients are currently hospitalised, while two cases have also been reported in Kampala, Uganda, raising concerns over possible cross border transmission.
The outbreak has mainly affected areas including Mongbwalu, Rwampara and Bunia in Ituri province, along with Nyakunde, Butembo and Goma in North Kivu province.
Government awareness posters urged citizens to follow preventive measures, including frequent hand washing, reporting suspected cases and following official public health advisories. Authorities also warned people against touching bodies without protection, holding unsafe burials, spreading misinformation and travelling while showing symptoms such as fever.
The Congolese government has activated emergency health measures and urged residents to immediately contact the official emergency number “151” in case of suspected symptoms or exposure.
The latest outbreak marks the 17th Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 1976, according to the official report.
The resurgence of Ebola fears has also cast a shadow over major diplomatic events involving African nations. India and the African Union on Thursday announced the postponement of the Fourth India–Africa Forum Summit, originally scheduled to be held in New Delhi later this month, citing the evolving health situation in parts of Africa.
Health authorities in the region continue to monitor the spread of the virus amid fears of wider transmission in eastern Congo and neighbouring countries.
