President of Kenya, William Ruto has said the African Union in its current state cannot effectively meet the needs of the continent, calling for urgent reforms.
Gatekeepers News reports that Ruto made the remarks while addressing intelligence chiefs from across Africa at the Mashariki Cooperation Conference in Mombasa, where he emphasised the need to restructure the continental body.
He disclosed that African heads of state have mandated him to lead efforts to review and transform the AU’s institutions and organs so they can better respond to the continent’s changing realities.
“My colleagues, heads of state, gave me the assignment to work on the reform of the African Union institutions and organs to make them fit for purpose for a time such as this,” he said.
The Kenyan leader stated that the organisation, in its current form, is not positioned to provide the leadership Africa requires.
“I can tell you without an iota of doubt that the African Union, as it is today, is not fit for purpose. It is not fit to provide the leadership that this continent needs going into the future. And therefore, there is need for reform of the African Union,” he said.
Ruto stressed that a comprehensive overhaul is necessary to reposition the AU as a key driver of Africa’s growth and development, especially in the face of evolving political, economic, and security challenges.
He also urged intelligence and security officials to contribute to shaping a more effective continental body capable of unlocking Africa’s vast potential.
“I am asking you as intelligence leaders to assist us to figure out what kind of African Union we need to unlock the opportunities that exist in our continent,” he added.
Ruto further warned that although Africa has the potential to become one of the world’s largest markets due to its rapidly growing population, failure to properly harness these advantages could pose significant risks.
