Josiah
President John Mahama has arrived in Nairobi, Kenya, to join other African leaders for a High-Level Retreat on African Union (AU) Institutional Reforms.
The retreat, scheduled for January 27, 2025, aims to discuss the progress and future of AU reforms, with a focus on enhancing efficiency, accountability, and sustainability.
Hosted by Kenya’s President William Ruto, who was appointed AU Champion for Institutional Reforms in February 2024, the retreat will feature updates on the implementation of AU reforms and proposals for future action. President Mahama’s participation is expected to bring valuable insights and leadership experience to the discussions.
The call for AU reforms began in 2016, with African leaders recognizing the need to restructure the organization to better address continental challenges. Five key areas have been identified for immediate action:
- .Prioritizing Continental Scope: Focusing on fewer priority areas with broader continental reach.
- Structural and Operational Review: Reviewing the AU’s structure and operations for improved service delivery.
- Connecting with African Citizens: Strengthening the AU’s connection with African citizens.
- Operational Effectiveness: Improving the AU’s operational efficiency.
- Sustainable Financing: Implementing sustainable financing mechanisms to reduce reliance on development partners.
The outcome of the retreat is expected to be presented at the 38th Ordinary General Assembly session of the African Union, scheduled for February 15-16, 2025, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
