President Ruto Calls for Deep Reform of African Union Governance Structures

Kenya April 11, 2026 - Kenyan President William Ruto has called for urgent reforms within the African Union, warning that the institution is currently hampered by weak and dysfunctional governance structures. Speaking at a Security Cooperation Summit on April 10, 2026, President Ruto, who also chairs the AU Reform Commission, said the continent’s potential remains vast due to its natural resources and demographic strength, but emphasized that effective leadership and institutional restructuring are essential to unlock it. “We need leaders with good ideas, we need wise leaders who think about how we can improve,” he said, adding that African leaders have entrusted him with advancing reforms to strengthen AU institutions and improve their effectiveness. Ruto argued that the African Union is not fully delivering on its mandate, stating that its current structure limits its ability to provide governance solutions for the continent’s evolving challenges. He stressed that comprehensive reforms are necessary to make the institution more functional and responsive. He also highlighted the importance of implementing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a key pillar of continental integration and economic transformation. The AU reform process, launched in 2016, was previously led by former Kenyan President Paul Kagame, who oversaw early institutional changes, including efforts to strengthen the African Peace Fund. According to previous AU statements, significant progress was made in increasing financial contributions for peace operations and improving cooperation with the United Nations. Ruto said his current mandate is to build on those reforms and ensure that AU institutions are better aligned with long-term continental priorities, including governance, security, and economic integration.