Political instability threatens Africa's future – President Ruto

President William Ruto has warned that Africa's governance and economic progress are at risk due to growing political instability, calling on leaders to take urgent action to reinforce democratic institutions.

Speaking at the African Union summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, he emphasised that governance reforms must be safeguarded to ensure long-term stability and prevent future crises.

"As the AU Champion for Institutional Reforms, I urge all Member States to expedite the process of anchoring the APRM in national legislation. This will secure its financial sustainability, ensure its resilience through political transitions, and enhance its institutional stature," Ruto said on Friday.

He highlighted Kenya's role in leading governance reforms, noting that the country was the first to voluntarily undergo a second review under the African Peer Review Mechanism.

The President described this as a demonstration of Kenya's commitment to accountability and transparency, particularly after the 2010 Constitution redefined governance through devolution.

"The APRM is founded on the principles of accountability not only among leaders but, most importantly, to the citizens we have the privilege to serve," he said.

Ruto pointed out that despite challenges such as terrorism, droughts, and the COVID-19 pandemic, Kenya has made notable progress in governance, economic growth, and inclusivity.

He noted that the country has reinforced devolution, strengthened peacebuilding mechanisms, tackled corruption, and promoted economic participation for women and youth.

Long-term stability

The President noted that these efforts are key to ensuring long-term stability and called on development partners to support governance reforms at both national and county levels.

"In pursuit of continuous improvement, I equally invite the APRM Continental Secretariat to collaborate with the Kenya Secretariat to conduct a targeted review on two critical areas: Youth Issues and Devolution. A deeper analysis of these issues will yield valuable insights, benefiting not only Kenya but also all nations across Africa," Ruto said.

In addition, he urged African nations to institutionalise good governance and transparency, warning that external influences often contribute to political instability.

Ruto stressed the importance of African-led solutions in addressing governance challenges and securing the continent's future.

"Let us build on this momentum, strengthen our institutions, and deepen the culture of accountability across our continent," he concluded.

Ruto also reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to governance reforms, urging African leaders to work together to prevent political instability from reversing the progress made in strengthening democratic systems.

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