AU reforms show progress, says President Kagame at 37th Summit
He revealed plans to propose another head of state to continue with the task of reforms.
On the sidelines of the 37th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Rwandan President Paul Kagame presented his final report on AU reforms, highlighting the significant strides made in reshaping the continental body since discussions on reform commenced in 2016.
Replacing the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in 2001, the AU embarked on a reform journey in 2016, aiming to enhance its effectiveness, financial stability, and independence.
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President Kagame, who chaired the AU Reforms Advisory Committee, commended the progress achieved during his tenure.
"Among the achievements we can point to is the revitalization of the Peace Fund. Almost $400 million has been mobilised. As a direct result, the United Nations Security Council recently decided to finance three-quarters of African Union peace operations for the first time," President Kagame stated during his address.
Acknowledging the efforts of the African Union Commission, led by Chairperson Moussa Faki, and the Reform Unit, under the guidance of Professor Pierre Moukoko, Kagame emphasised that the AU is now more capable of defining its common interests and advocating for them.
"We still have a long way to go for the African Union to be as strong as we want and need it to be," Kagame said.
He underscored the necessity to continue the reform journey. "I believe the time has come, with your permission, to conclude the mandate entrusted to me in 2016," he added.
President Kagame stressed the importance of sustained support from heads of state to implement institutional reforms effectively.
He revealed plans to propose another head of state to continue with the task of reforms and their implementation, ensuring that the AU remains steadfast in its commitments.
The AU Commission has introduced a draft decision on the realignment of AU institutions to address key priorities with continental scope, a move Kagame called for support.
"We know where we want to go as a continent. Now, what seems often to be missing is the political will to implement what we have decided," Kagame concluded as he bid farewell to his role as chairperson of the AU Reforms Advisory Committee.
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