Ruto urges AU leaders to address pressing matters affecting the continent

Ruto highlighted the dire need for change in the continent, noting that Africa is grappling with economic challenges, geopolitical developments and unprecedented social transformation.

He however noted that there are potential opportunities that will unlock Africa's full potential through initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area. 

"Our task here is to harness these opportunities, galvanize political will and renew our collective commitment to a prosperous Africa," Ruto told the leaders.

While noting conflict costs the continent $18 billion (Ksh 2.325 trillion) annually, the Head of State added that the security architecture needs to be fortified to achieve peace in war-torn nations.

"Africa today is home to 35 million internally displaced persons, 8.9 million refugees, 1.1 million asylum seekers and 1 million stateless persons. Between April and June 2024 alone, a total of 1,000 terrorism incidents were recorded across Africa, resulting in 4,818 deaths," Ruto added.

Ruto, who is the champion of AU institutional reforms, vowed to engage leaders and stakeholders in strategic talks to advance the reform agenda. 

So far he said he has met the African Union Commission (AUC) leadership led by the Chair Moussa Faki and the AU Institutional Reform Unit Secretariat led by its technical Head Pierre Moukoko.

"Additionally, I have held consultative meetings with the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) in Addis Ababa, the leadership of the Pan African Parliament (PAP) led by His Excellency Chief Fortune Charumbira, as well as Dr Donald Kaberuka, AU High Representative for Financing the Union," noted Ruto.

To fast-track the transformation agenda, Ruto intimated that he will propose the formation of a Committee of Heads of State and Government of the African Union on AU Reforms under his leadership. 

President Ruto stated that the move will ensure there is sustained momentum, strategic oversight and collective ownership of the reform process. 

The meeting comes ahead of an Ordinary Session of the Assembly in February 2025 where Ruto will be needed to provide a progress report on the reform implementation.