Ruto proposes high-level panel to revamp AU peace, security framework

President William Ruto has called for the formation of a High-Level Panel of Experts to review the African Union's (AU) peace and security architecture.

Speaking during a high-level retreat on AU institutional reforms at State House in Nairobi on Monday, Ruto proposed the panel could consist of three experts who would assess the current framework and evaluate the feasibility of implementing UN Security Council Resolution 2719.

The resolution suggests a pathway for financing AU-led, UN-mandated peace support operations through assessed contributions.

According to the President, such reforms seek to create a more efficient, robust, financially independent, fit-for-purpose African Union that will be more responsive to the continent’s needs.

As the newly appointed Champion of AU Institutional Reforms, following a mandate from the 37th Assembly of the Heads of State and Government last year, Ruto also stressed the need to restructure various AU organs, institutions, and offices to improve operational efficiency.

He noted that these reforms are vital for addressing Africa's peace, security, and governance challenges.

He highlighted that implementing these reforms requires continued political guidance from the Heads of State and Government.

"I believe execution should continue to be guided at the level of Heads of State and Government. With your concurrence, I shall be proposing to the Assembly the formation of a Committee of Heads of State and Government of the African Union on AU Reforms under the leadership of the Champion,” Ruto said.

The Head of State also proposed convening an extraordinary summit of the Heads of State and Government later this year to focus on AU reform momentum.

In his remarks, Ruto urged greater political resolve to implement reforms transforming the AU into a strong institution that ensures a prosperous and united Africa. He cited the estimated $18 billion annual cost of conflict across Africa, which displaces millions of people and weakens the continent's developmental prospects.

He also noted the AU's peace and security architecture, in its current form, was ill-equipped to address the continent's complex challenges. “The African Union security architecture in its current configuration is incapable of addressing these complex dynamics and challenges. There is an urgent need to revitalise the peace and security architecture.”

He also highlighted the importance of counterterrorism efforts and called for a comprehensive plan of action, as outlined in the 2022 Malabo Declaration, to combat terrorism across the continent.

“During a recent consultative meeting in Nairobi with the president of PAP, we reaffirmed the need for high-level advocacy to secure the ratification of the Malabo Protocol by an additional 13 Member States, thereby reaching the required threshold of 28 ratifications,” he said.

“As of now, only 15 countries have ratified the Protocol, which seeks to empower PAP with permanent membership and legislative authority to formulate model laws that will shape the governance of our continent.”

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The President further discussed the need for streamlined and focused summits to ensure more effective deliberations. He proposed a revised summit format that would include a high-level opening ceremony followed by focused sessions for national statements from Heads of State and Government, allowing leaders to address the agreed-upon agenda items with precision.

“Each leader will be allocated between seven and 10 minutes to address any of the items, ensuring precision and focus. Day One will thus be devoted to these statements, while Day Two will be reserved for the adoption of decisions and declarations,” he said.

“At the close of the Assembly session, the Chairperson of the Union and the Chairperson of the Commission will issue a communiqué that encapsulates the deliberations and outcomes of the Summit.”

Further, Ruto emphasised the importance of financial independence for the AU, advocating for an increase in the African Union Peace Fund’s endowment. He also proposed convening an Extraordinary Session of the Executive Council, with the participation of Finance Ministers, to explore sustainable financing options for the Union.

“The revitalisation of the AU Peace Fund has been a commendable step forward, but we must consolidate these gains and set even more ambitious financing targets. Africa possesses the capability and resources to finance herself sustainably and adequately.”

The retreat is part of ongoing efforts to drive the AU’s institutional reforms and tackle the pressing challenges facing the continent. Ruto acknowledged the work of his predecessor, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, for his efforts in advancing the reform agenda and praised his contributions.

The AU reforms, according to Ruto, are a critical part of realising the vision of “The Africa We Want” as laid out in Agenda 2063.

Other Heads of State who were present include; Guinea-Bissau President Umaro Mokhtar Sissoco Embaló, Ethiopia President Taye Atske Selassie, Ghana President John Dramani Mahama and Comoros President Azali Assoumani. African Union Commission Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat also attended the retreat.