President William Ruto has called for sweeping reforms of the African Union, warning that the current structure is ill-equipped to provide the leadership needed to steer Africa into the future.
Speaking during the Mashariki Cooperation Conference in Mombasa on Friday evening, the President said he had been tasked by fellow African heads of state to spearhead efforts aimed at restructuring the continental body to make it more responsive and effective.
“My colleague, 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,” Ruto said.
He delivered a blunt assessment of the state of the African Union, stating that its current configuration falls short of addressing the continent’s evolving challenges and opportunities.
“I can tell you without an iota of doubt that the African Union, as it is today, is not fit to provide the leadership that this continent needs going into the future,” he said.
Ruto emphasised the urgency of institutional reforms, noting that Africa stands at a critical juncture as it positions itself for deeper economic integration and greater global influence.
“There is a need for reform of the African Union,” he said, adding that the process must involve a wide range of stakeholders, including intelligence and security leaders.
The President specifically called on intelligence agencies across the continent to play a role in shaping the reform agenda, particularly in addressing emerging threats and opportunities.
“I am asking you as intelligence leaders to assist us in figuring out what kind of African Union we need, one that can unlock the potential that exists in our continent,” he said.
His remarks come at a time when African countries are increasingly focusing on strengthening regional cooperation, boosting intra-African trade, and enhancing collective security frameworks.
Ruto highlighted Africa’s growing economic potential, particularly with the continent on course to become one of the largest integrated markets globally.
However, he cautioned that failure to effectively manage this transition could expose the continent to significant risks.
“As we march into the future and become the single largest market, we must take advantage of that position. Otherwise, it can pose a major risk for us,” he warned.
The Mashariki Cooperation Conference brings together leaders and experts from across the region to discuss security, governance and economic collaboration, with a focus on aligning strategies to address shared challenges.
Ruto’s call for reform is expected to add momentum to ongoing discussions about restructuring the African Union to enhance efficiency, accountability, and responsiveness to member states.
The President reiterated Kenya’s commitment to supporting initiatives that strengthen continental unity and position Africa as a competitive and influential player on the global stage.