Ruto calls on AU to recognise Haiti as Africa’s sixth region
Ruto called for structural changes within the AU to facilitate this recognition and ensure long-term support for Haiti's stabilisation efforts.
President William Ruto urged the African Union (AU) to recognise Haiti as part of Africa's Sixth Region on Sunday.
Ruto called for structural changes within the AU to facilitate this recognition and ensure long-term support for Haiti's stabilisation efforts.
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In a statement shared by State House Spokesperson Hussein Mohammed confirmed Ruto's proposal asking the AU Assembly to adopt a Draft Declaration on AU Solidarity with Haiti.
The declaration seeks to formally integrate Haiti into the AU framework and provide sustained backing for peacekeeping efforts in the Caribbean nation.
"President William Ruto proposes the adoption of a Draft Declaration on AU Solidarity with Haiti at the AU Assembly, to affirm its status as part of Africa's Sixth Region and ensure sustained support for the mission, including advocating for a transition of the MSS into a UN Peacekeeping Operation," part of the statement read.
Ruto linked Haiti's recognition to broader efforts to transform the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission into a United Nations peacekeeping operation.
Kenya deployed its first contingent of security forces to Haiti on June 25, 2024, as part of the MSS initiative. The deployment was aimed at restoring order in Haiti, which has been affected by gang violence.
Establishment of African Court of Justice
Beyond Haiti, Ruto presented a report to AU leaders on institutional reforms advocating for an Oversight Committee composed of Heads of State and pushed for the activation of the African Court of Justice.
He pointed out that the court's implementation has stalled since 2009 due to ongoing discussions on merging it with the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights.
Ruto called on the AU Commission and the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) to finalise the court's operational framework, including budgetary provisions. He suggested that judicial elections for the court take place during the Executive Council's Ordinary Session in July 2025.
"The African Court of Justice is a crucial pillar of our governance architecture, yet its implementation has stalled since 2009 due to discussions on merging it with the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights. I propose that this Assembly mandates the AUC and PRC to finalise the Court's operational requirements, including budgetary provisions, and that the Executive Council conduct judicial elections during its Ordinary Session in July 2025," Ruto told the summit.
He also pushed for amendments to the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) Protocol. He stressed the need for PAP to transition from a symbolic institution into a legislative body with real authority.
At present, only 15 AU member states have ratified the Malabo Protocol, which seeks to grant PAP legislative powers and permanent membership status.
Ruto urged AU leaders to rally political will to expedite the ratification process.
As the AU's designated Champion for institutional reform, Ruto reiterated his commitment to restructuring the organization's peace and security mechanisms emphasizing the need for stronger institutions to address conflicts across the continent.
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