India and the African Union have postponed the fourth India-Africa Forum Summit scheduled to be held in New Delhi later this month amid growing concerns over the Ebola outbreak in parts of Africa.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs said the decision was taken following consultations between the Government of India, the Chairperson of the African Union and the African Union Commission in view of the “emerging public health situation” on the continent.
“Recognising the importance of ensuring the full participation and engagement of African leaders and stakeholders, and mindful of the emerging public health situation on the continent, consultations were held,” the MEA said in a joint statement issued with the African Union.
The summit was originally scheduled to take place in New Delhi from May 28 to 31 and was expected to bring together leaders from across Africa along with representatives of the African Union Commission to strengthen cooperation in trade, health, infrastructure, technology and development.
Summit postponed after 10-year gap
The fourth India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS-IV) was set to be held after a gap of nearly a decade. Previous editions of the summit were organised in 2008, 2011 and 2015.
The MEA said fresh dates for the summit and associated meetings would be finalised later through mutual consultations.
“New dates for the Summit and its associated meetings will be finalized through mutual consultations and communicated in due course,” the statement added.
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Health advisory issued for travellers
The postponement comes shortly after India’s Health Ministry issued an Ebola advisory for travellers arriving from high-risk countries at airports, ports and other entry points.
Travellers coming from or transiting through Democratic Republic of the Congo, Uganda and South Sudan have been advised to report to airport health officials if they experience symptoms such as fever, weakness, fatigue, headache, vomiting, diarrhoea or unexplained bleeding.
Officials said delegates from nearly 40 countries were expected to participate in the summit, including representatives from some of the affected regions.
India also reiterated its support for African countries dealing with the outbreak and expressed readiness to assist efforts led by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).
The MEA said India remained committed to an “Africa-led response” to the evolving health situation and reaffirmed solidarity with the people and governments of the continent.
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