Eight years after the launch of its institutional reform agenda, the African Union (AU) is embarking on a new phase of transformation. A high-level retreat held in Nairobi, led by Kenyan President William Ruto, brought together African leaders to chart a course for a more effective and autonomous organization capable of addressing the continent’s pressing security and economic challenges.
President Ruto, now championing the AU reform process, proposed several key initiatives, including the establishment of a committee of heads of state to oversee the reform process and the convening of an extraordinary summit later this year to finalize the reform agenda.
During the retreat, AU Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat reviewed the progress made since the launch of the reform process eight years ago, highlighting achievements such as the transformation of NEPAD into a development agency and the successful funding of the Peace Fund to its target of 400 billion.
Representing Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh el-Ghazouani, current AU Chairperson, Foreign Minister Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug emphasized the critical importance of AU reform, stating that it is “not just a necessity but a moral imperative.” He highlighted the need for the AU to overcome challenges such as the leadership crisis experienced last year, which was ultimately resolved through the intervention of the Mauritanian President.
Several African leaders echoed the need for a more agile and responsive AU. Comoros President Azali Assoumani stressed the importance of adapting the organization to the evolving challenges facing the continent, including the numerous conflicts that are currently plaguing various regions.
Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Sissoco Embalo called on all member states to fulfill their financial commitments to the AU, including the 0.5 percent levy agreed upon in Kigali to fund the organization’s activities.
Ethiopian President Taye Selassie outlined five key priorities for the reform process, emphasizing the need for inclusivity, financial sovereignty, and the creation of a dedicated directorate for peace support operations.
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama stressed the importance of streamlining AU decision-making processes and eliminating bureaucratic inefficiencies. He also emphasized the need to increase the involvement of young people, who represent a significant portion of the African population, in the AU’s activities.
Recognizing the devastating impact of conflicts on the continent, estimated to cost Africa $18 billion annually and displace millions of people, President Ruto emphasized the urgency of revitalizing the AU’s peace and security architecture. He proposed the establishment of a high-level panel to comprehensively review the AU’s existing framework and recommend necessary improvements.
To enhance the effectiveness of AU summits, President Ruto recommended limiting the agenda to three strategic points and reviewing the format of sessions, with a speaking time of 7 to 10 minutes per head of state.
The meeting also addressed the critical issue of AU financing. Despite the expansion of its mandates, the AU’s budget has remained stagnant since 2020. To address this challenge, the leaders envisaged an extraordinary session of the Executive Council with finance ministers to explore sustainable and innovative financing options.
The Nairobi retreat marks a crucial step in the ongoing effort to reform the AU and equip it with the necessary tools and resources to effectively address the challenges facing the African continent in the 21st century.
AC/fss/abj/APA