LUANDA, Angola – Prime Cabinet Secretary and Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Musalia Mudavadi will represent President William Ruto at the 21st Extraordinary Session of the Assembly of the African Union (AU) in Luanda, Angola, as African leaders seek stronger mechanisms for preventing and resolving conflicts on the continent.
Mudavadi left Kenya for Angola ahead of the extraordinary session scheduled for August 30, 2026, where discussions will focus on strengthening Africa’s capacity to prevent, manage and resolve conflicts.
His participation will provide Kenya with an opportunity to advance its position on peace and security while contributing to broader discussions on regional integration and Africa’s collective development agenda.
Mudavadi to represent Ruto at AU meeting
Mudavadi will attend the Luanda meeting as President Ruto’s representative, with Kenya expected to use the gathering to reinforce its commitment to peaceful conflict resolution and African-led approaches to addressing instability.
The meeting comes at a significant time for the continent, with several African regions continuing to face political instability, armed conflicts and humanitarian challenges.
Kenya has consistently advocated for diplomatic solutions to conflicts and stronger regional and continental mechanisms for maintaining peace and security.
The government said Mudavadi’s participation will help Kenya contribute to efforts aimed at developing practical measures for preventing conflicts before they escalate and strengthening the continent’s capacity to respond to existing crises.
Kenya seeks stronger role in Africa
Kenya’s participation also comes shortly after the country attained Tier One status within the African Union, a development the government considers an important milestone in strengthening its influence within the continental body.
The elevation gives Kenya a stronger platform to participate in discussions and decisions concerning continental priorities and policies.
The government said the new status would enable Kenya to contribute more prominently to debates on peace and security, regional integration, economic development and other issues affecting African countries.
Mudavadi is expected to use the Luanda engagement to advance Kenya’s interests while building support for stronger African cooperation.
Peace and security at centre of Luanda summit
The Extraordinary Session will focus heavily on conflict prevention and resolution, with member states expected to consider ways of improving Africa’s existing peace and security architecture.
The discussions are expected to examine practical approaches that can strengthen African institutions and mechanisms responsible for preventing, managing and resolving conflicts.
Kenya has positioned itself as a supporter of African-led solutions, arguing that continental institutions and regional organisations should have the capacity to respond effectively to crises affecting member states.
The Luanda meeting therefore provides an opportunity for Kenya to reinforce its support for diplomacy, dialogue and peaceful settlement of disputes.
Mudavadi to advance regional integration agenda
Beyond peace and security, Kenya is expected to use its participation to advance regional integration and Africa’s broader development agenda.
The government has increasingly sought a stronger role in continental affairs, with President Ruto’s administration highlighting Kenya’s engagement on economic development, climate action, regional stability and multilateral diplomacy.
Mudavadi’s role in foreign and diaspora affairs places him at the centre of Kenya’s diplomatic engagement with African countries and international partners.
His participation in Luanda is therefore expected to strengthen bilateral and multilateral relationships while promoting Kenya’s interests within the AU.
