President Ruto Leads AU Reform Oversight Meeting, Emphasizes Institutional Overhaul

Kenyan President William Ruto chaired the Third Virtual Session of the Ad Hoc Oversight Committee of Heads of State and Government on African Union (AU) Institutional Reform, emphasizing the critical need for reforms to ensure the AU remains responsive to Africa's evolving peace, development, and integration challenges.

President Ruto stated that the AU reform agenda is driven by changing global and continental realities, rising expectations from African citizens, and the need for stronger efficiency, coherence, and accountability within the Union's institutions. He noted that the reforms are essential to making the AU "fit for purpose" and better aligned with the needs and aspirations of both member states and African citizens.

The high-level meeting was attended by Presidents John Dramani Mahama of Ghana, Hakainde Hichilema of Zambia, and Évariste Ndayishimiye of Burundi. Also present were African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, AU High Representative for Financing Donald Kaberuka, and senior representatives from several member states, including Angola, Tanzania, Tunisia, and Congo.

The AU reform agenda seeks to streamline the Union's institutions, clarify mandates, improve financial sustainability, and enhance its ability to respond effectively to conflicts and development priorities across the continent.