President William Ruto on Thursday highlighted the urgency of reforming the African Union (AU) to better address peace, development, and integration challenges across the continent.
Speaking on X, Ruto emphasized that the process is driven by evolving continental and global realities, as well as growing expectations from African citizens.
“The African Union reform process remains a critical and timely undertaking,” Ruto wrote, noting that the agenda is essential to ensuring the AU remains fit for purpose, responsive to Member States, and accountable to the African people.
He stressed that reforms will strengthen coherence, efficiency, and institutional accountability across the Union.
In his role as Champion for African Union Institutional Reform, Ruto chaired the Third Virtual Session of the Ad Hoc Oversight Committee of Heads of State and Government on AU Institutional Reform.
The session brought together several African leaders, including Presidents John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, and Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi.
Also present were the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the AU High Representative for Financing, Donald Kaberuka, and senior representatives from countries including Angola, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Congo.
During the discussions, Ruto underscored the importance of aligning AU structures with contemporary continental needs, particularly in promoting sustainable development and enhancing the Union’s capacity to prevent and resolve conflicts.
The Kenyan President reiterated that effective AU reforms would not only improve institutional performance but also restore confidence among citizens that the Union can deliver tangible benefits.
He concluded that the ongoing deliberations mark a decisive step toward a more responsive and accountable African Union, capable of meeting the aspirations of Africa’s growing population.