NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has chaired the Third Virtual Session of the Ad Hoc Oversight Committee of Heads of State and Government on African Union (AU) Institutional Reform, reaffirming Kenya’s role in shaping continental governance and integration.
Ruto said the AU reform agenda remains urgent and necessary, driven by changing continental and global realities, rising expectations from African citizens, and the need for the Union to respond more effectively to peace, development, and integration challenges.
“The African Union reform process is a critical and timely undertaking,” Ruto said during the session, noting that reforms must align the organisation with the evolving needs of Member States and the African people.
He said the reform agenda is central to ensuring the AU remains fit for purpose, responsive, and accountable, while strengthening coherence, efficiency, and effectiveness across its institutions.
According to Ruto, a reformed AU must be capable of delivering tangible outcomes in conflict prevention and resolution, economic development, and deeper continental integration.
The virtual session brought together several African leaders, including Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, and Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye.
Also in attendance were African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, AU High Representative for Financing Donald Kaberuka, and senior representatives from Angola, Tanzania, Tunisia, Congo, and other Member States.
During the deliberations, Ruto emphasised the importance of accountability and institutional effectiveness, saying reforms should strengthen public confidence in the AU and ensure it delivers on its mandate.
He said Africa’s citizens expect an organisation that is responsive to their aspirations and capable of addressing persistent governance, security, and development challenges.
The oversight committee is tasked with guiding and monitoring the implementation of agreed reform measures, aimed at enhancing the AU’s capacity to act decisively on continental priorities.
