President William Ruto of Kenya is leading a significant meeting at State House in Nairobi, focusing on reforms within the African Union (AU). This high-level retreat brings together select heads of state and government from across the continent to discuss and advance institutional changes aimed at enhancing the AU’s effectiveness and efficiency.
The primary objective is to revitalize the structure, functioning, and focus of the African Union Commission (AUC), AU organs, and specialized agencies, ensuring they are better equipped to manage the organization’s programs and respond to the evolving needs of Africa.
As the appointed champion for AU institutional reforms, a role he assumed in February 2024, President Ruto is tasked with providing political leadership and vision to complete the comprehensive reform initiative that began in 2016. The reforms aim to make AU institutions more responsive, effective, and aligned with the continent’s development goals.
Among the leaders attending the meeting are Comoros President Azali Assoumani, Ghana’s John Mahama, Guinea-Bissau’s Umaro Sissoco Embalo, and Ethiopia’s Taye Atske Selassie. The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki, is also expected to participate.
A key focus of the discussions is enhancing the financial autonomy of the AU. The meeting is expected to address innovative mechanisms for sustainable financing, aiming to reduce reliance on external donors and ensure the union’s financial independence.
President Ruto plans to present the final report on these reforms during the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU General Assembly, scheduled for February 15-16, 2025.
He has reaffirmed Kenya’s steadfast commitment to advancing reforms within the organization, emphasizing the importance of ensuring that the Union’s institutions remain responsive, effective, and aligned with the evolving needs of the continent.
AU Reforms Press Briefing, State House. https://t.co/HeqfikWLp2
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) January 27, 2025
