Ramaphosa, Sisi, and Tinubu Absent From UNGA

The presidents of South Africa, Egypt and Nigeria—the continent’s three largest economies—are absent from this year’s United Nations General Assembly, despite the event’s importance to Africa’s diplomatic priorities. South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa is staying home on medical advice, with Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola leading the delegation. Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has delegated Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly to represent the country, while Nigeria’s Bola Tinubu is on private vacation in France, leaving Vice President Kashim Shettima to lead Nigeria’s delegation. While each country is represented in New York, their presidents’ absence means the leaders will not personally participate in the extensive bilateral diplomacy surrounding the General Assembly. Nevertheless, each country remains fully engaged with the UN, with plans to address Africa’s priorities, such as permanent African seats on the UN Security Council.