Raila and Ruto to host Heads of State in Nairobi for AU Reforms Retreat

Nairobi is set to host several prominent African leaders today as they convene for a high-level extended Bureau Retreat focused on the institutional reforms of the African Union (AU). 

Leading the discussions will be President William Ruto, who aims to steer the agenda towards enhancing the AU’s operational framework. Among the attendees are Ethiopia’s President Taye Atske, Comoros’ Azali Assoumani, Ghana’s John Dramani, Togo’s Faure Gnassingbe, and Angola’s Joao Lourenco. Outgoing African Union Commission (AUC) chairperson Moussa Faki Mahamat will also participate in the retreat. Guinea Bissau’s Umaro Sissaco Embalo, who arrived over the weekend, will also engage in the discussions.

The agenda will prominently feature support for Kenya’s bid for the AUC chairperson role. President Ruto is anticipated to engage with the visiting leaders on this matter, as well as other crucial topics. Recently, President Sissaco publicly endorsed Kenya’s candidate, Raila Odinga, who is vying for the chairperson position against Madagascar’s former Foreign Minister Richard Randriamandrato and Djibouti’s Foreign Affairs Minister Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.

Raila Odinga’s candidacy has gained significant momentum, bolstered by endorsements from various leaders, including Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki. With the race intensifying, President Ruto is keen to capitalize on the upcoming meetings to secure additional backing for Odinga’s bid.

In addition to the chairperson discussions, President Ruto is advocating for notable reforms within the AU. Key proposals include elevating the African Court of Human Rights to the Africa Court of Justice, enabling member states to seek legal recourse in disputes, and advocating for the independence of the Pan African Parliament, which would allow countries to nominate two representatives—one male and one female—to oversee AUC activities, including budget debates and approvals.

As the retreat unfolds, all eyes will be on the outcomes of these discussions and the potential impact on Kenya’s aspirations within the African Union.