President Ruto hosts African leaders in Nairobi for retreat
President William Ruto is today at State House Nairobi playing host to five African leaders for a meeting insiders say will be centred on reforms in the form of a retreat.
The event which will have some senior Africa Union Commission (AUC) officials in attendance as well, comes against the backdrop of the Kenyan government’s push top have former Prime Minister Raila Odinga take over the mantle of the 54 member body.
Ruto who is the Champion of AU reforms hosts among others; Comoros President Azali Assoumani, Togo’s Faure Gnassingbe, Guinea Bissau’s Umaro Sissoco Embalo, Ethiopia’s Taye Atske Selassie and Ghana’s John Mahama.The day long retreat was said to have also been attended by current AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat.
A statement from Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs said; “The commitment of African leaders to realize the vision of a united and resilient continent as articulated in Agenda 2063 is important. Their presence underscores the high-level commitment to driving the reform agenda forward,” offered the Ministry.
Some of the issues that will be priority in the conference will touch on restructuring of AU Organs so as to actualize operational efficacy; “The participants engaged in focused deliberations on the restructuring of AU organs,institutions and agencies to streamline operations and improve decision-making processes,” read the dispatch from the Ministry.
Discussions also stayed deliberately on having financial autonomy through innovative means to enhance sustainability in financing of the Africa Union. This was so as to reduce reliance on external donors and ensuring the Union’s financial independence. The retreat will explore intelligent strategies to improve critical bodies like the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) and the Africa Court of Justice (ACJ) plus the important aspect of governance and accountability in a bid to strengthen the organs under the Commission.
Additionally the Africa Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a key item on the itinerary as it remains an essential blueprint for the economic integration and development. There will be evaluation and recommendations on the subject that has divided the continent’s leadership .
Issues deliberating on Youth and Gender inclusivity for the youngest continent by average in the globe are also front and centre of discussions that will be held as from midday. President Ruto has declared a renewed leadership approach in championing AU reforms that will put Kenya as a key driver of the continental narrative.
Former PM Odinga has been on a vote hunting mission across the continent in African capitals as he seizes on his newfound charm offensive supported by the Ruto government. He faces Djibouti Foreign Minister Mahmoud Ali Youssouf and Ex-Madagascan Foreign Minister Richard Randriamandrato. The polls to be held mid next month are seen as a new frontier for the growth and acceleration of the continent with a lot of spotlight on the continent.
