Bujumbura, Burundi — In a powerful address at the COMESA Summit in Burundi, Kenyan President William Ruto endorsed Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) chairmanship while advocating for far-reaching reforms to strengthen the African Union (AU). Ruto outlined a vision for a streamlined and accountable AU with a full-time Pan-African Parliament to represent the continent’s one billion people, enhance governance, and increase the union’s responsiveness.
A strong advocate for peace, President Ruto also reiterated his commitment to “silencing the guns” across Africa, calling for collaborative efforts to address conflicts that continue to destabilise regions and hinder progress. He urged African leaders to prioritize peace and stability, highlighting that a secure environment is crucial for the AU’s development agenda.
Ruto called on heads of state to take a direct role in AU decision-making, asserting that delegating major decisions to junior officials often led to bureaucratic delays. “As heads of state, we must take responsibility for critical decisions. By reducing delegation to junior officials, we can eliminate red tape and ensure urgent matters are handled swiftly,” he stated.
Ruto further proposed empowering the Pan-African Parliament to hold the AUC accountable, granting it the authority to approve commissioner appointments and review budgets. He envisioned a full-time parliament that would oversee AU operations on behalf of Africa’s citizens, ensuring that decisions align with the continent’s aspirations for unity, transparency, and stability.
Expressing confidence in Odinga’s leadership, Ruto said, “Raila Odinga brings the experience and commitment needed to drive our continent toward greater accountability, peace, and unity. With his leadership, the AU can become a body that truly represents and advances the aspirations of all Africans.“
President Ruto’s endorsement, combined with his vision of a more effective and accountable AU, resonated widely at the summit. His calls for a full-time parliament, stronger oversight, and a continent free from conflict signal a potential turning point for the AU, paving the way for a more stable, transparent, and representative African Union.
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The author is a political analyst and commentator on Kenyan politics and a 2022 Senate Candidate for Migori County
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