Wayne Lumbasi
Kenya’s President William Ruto is spearheading a renewed effort to reform the African Union (AU), emphasizing stronger institutions, predictable financing, and streamlined decision-making. Leading a high-level meeting in Nairobi, Ruto brought together senior AU officials and the High-Level Panel on Governance, Peace, and Security to consolidate recommendations ahead of a special AU summit scheduled for 26 November 2025 in Luanda, Angola.
The meeting focused on several key areas: strengthening the AU’s peace and security mechanisms, ensuring sustainable funding, operationalizing the African Court of Justice, and enhancing the AU’s role in global diplomacy.
Ruto stressed that a more efficient AU is essential for advancing Agenda 2063, Africa’s long-term development blueprint, and for empowering the continent to act decisively in regional and international matters.
Predictable funding remains a top priority, as many AU initiatives depend on timely contributions from member states. Reforms to decision-making processes aim to clarify the responsibilities of the AU Assembly and Executive Council, enabling faster and more effective responses to crises. The proposals also seek to reinvigorate Pan-Africanism and strengthen Africa’s collective voice on global platforms.
While the reform agenda is ambitious, challenges remain. Institutional inertia, political sensitivities, and the need for member states to commit financially could slow progress. Implementation will require continuous oversight and collaboration among AU members.
Ruto’s leadership in this process positions Kenya as a central player in continental diplomacy, highlighting the country’s commitment to stronger African institutions. The outcomes of the upcoming Luanda summit will be closely watched, as they could redefine the AU’s operational efficiency and its capacity to advance peace, development, and integration across Africa.
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