Kenya’s President, William Ruto, has called for sweeping reforms of the African Union, warning that the bloc in its current state is incapable of providing the leadership needed to drive Africa’s future.
In a video circulated on X on Sunday, through the official handle of Kennedy Wandera, Ruto said African heads of state had tasked him with spearheading efforts to review and restructure the AU’s institutions and organs.
“I can tell you without an iota of doubt that the African Union at this day is not fit for purpose,” Ruto said. “It is not fit to provide the leadership that this continent needs going into the future.”
The Kenyan leader stressed that reform of the continental body was critical as Africa positions itself for a rapidly changing global landscape, particularly with projections that the continent will account for about a quarter of the world’s population in the coming decades.
Ruto urged global stakeholders and influential figures to support African leaders in reimagining a more effective and responsive AU capable of unlocking the continent’s vast potential.
“We must figure out what kind of African Union we need to unlock the opportunities that exist in our continent,” he said, warning that failure to act could turn Africa’s demographic advantage into a “mega risk.”
He also acknowledged significant resistance to reform efforts within the system, but emphasized the need for collective action among African leaders and partners to build an institution that can adequately represent and advance the continent’s interests.
“We must work together to have an organization that is fit for purpose, that can represent our continent appropriately, and that can steer this continent into the future,” Ruto added.
The remarks come amid ongoing debates about the effectiveness of the AU in addressing governance, security and economic challenges across its member states.
