President William Ruto on Tuesday held a high-level meeting with African Union (AU) leaders to discuss institutional reforms aimed at transforming Africa. The discussions involved members of the High-Level Panel on AU Governance, Peace and Security, the AU Commission Chairperson Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, and other senior officials, including Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei.
In his role as the AU’s champion for institutional reforms, President Ruto received a consolidated report detailing key recommendations for the upcoming Special Summit on African Union Reforms, scheduled for November 26, 2025, in Angola. The report highlights priority areas such as revitalising peace and security frameworks, operationalising the African Court of Justice, and ensuring sustainable financing for the Union.
The meeting emphasized streamlining the AU Assembly’s format and agenda while categorizing Assembly and Executive Council decisions to enhance efficiency. Leaders called for renewed commitment from member states and all AU stakeholders to accelerate the reform process, aligning with the continent’s long-term Agenda 2063 aspirations.
Key recommendations presented during the meeting included repositioning Africa in a shifting geopolitical landscape and revitalizing Pan-Africanism to strengthen continental unity. Sustainable financing models for the AU, efficient decision-making mechanisms, and enhanced governance structures were also highlighted as critical steps toward achieving the reforms.
The discussions further underscored the importance of revitalizing the African Governance Architecture (AGA) and the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA) to address current and emerging complex peace and security challenges across the continent.
President Ruto reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to championing AU reforms and ensuring that the upcoming summit in Angola delivers tangible outcomes. The meeting marks a significant step toward reshaping Africa’s continental institutions and advancing a cohesive agenda for sustainable development, peace, and security across the continent.
