Archive · 13 Sep 2026
Expanded BRICS and Africa Pursue Pragmatic Diplomatic Diversification
BRICS is part of a larger trend in which countries join different international groups.
Togo and Gabon joined the Commonwealth in 2022.
Neither country had a British colonial history.
Ghana recently joined the Francophonie.
These organizations continue to attract new members.
The article says this does not necessarily mean countries are choosing one ideology over another.
Instead, governments may want more options when dealing with other countries.
One African leader compared this approach to choosing from a buffet instead of a fixed menu.
The trend surrounding BRICS reflects a broader expansion of diplomatic organizations, not just one bloc.
Togo and Gabon joined the Commonwealth in 2022 despite having no British colonial history.
Other governments continue to express interest in joining international diplomatic organizations.
Ghana recently joined the Francophonie, which has also expanded its reach and appeal.
African diplomacy is characterized as pragmatic diversification, giving governments more choices rather than requiring ideological realignment.
- Who
- African governments, including Togo, Gabon and Ghana, along with other countries interested in diplomatic organizations.
- What
- Countries are pursuing membership in multiple international diplomatic groups, including BRICS-related forums, the Commonwealth and the Francophonie.
- When
- Togo and Gabon joined the Commonwealth in 2022; Ghana joined the Francophonie recently.
- Where
- Across Africa and within international diplomatic organizations.
- Why
- The article describes the strategy as pragmatic diversification, giving governments more diplomatic choices.
- Main trend
- Countries are seeking access to multiple diplomatic organizations.
- Togo and Gabon
- Both joined the Commonwealth in 2022.
- Colonial history
- Neither Togo nor Gabon had a British colonial history.
- Ghana
- Ghana recently joined the Francophonie.
- Organizational appeal
- The Commonwealth and Francophonie are described as expanding their reach and attraction.
- Diplomatic strategy
- An African leader characterized the approach as preferring a buffet of choices over a fixed menu.