Kenya’s President William Ruto hosted former Prime Minister Raila Odinga at a breakfast meeting in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, for informal consultations on African Union (AU) institutional reforms, with Ruto serving as the reforms’ champion.
Digital Communication Strategist Pauline Njoroge has revealed details of the meeting held on the morning of Thursday, November 7.
The meeting focus was on the AU reform agenda which will be anchored on the 5 issues.
To begin with the leaders, the meeting focused on key fewer priorities with continental scope, and improving the division of labour with regional economic communities.
Other areas of discussion were how to re-align AU institutions to deliver on those priorities and connect the work of the Union more directly to citizens.
Sustainable self-financing of AU’s activities and managing the Union’s business more efficiently at both the political and operational levels were other areas of focus.
Speaking after the meeting Ruto said, the AU reforms are aimed at making the institutions of the African Union more accountable, efficient and effective in serving Member States and the African people.
Ruto explained that African leaders must step up and address the challenges facing their countries.
“It is imperative that Africa becomes organized and builds the necessary synergy to tackle the challenges that face the continent. To achieve this crucial objective, the reform agenda of the African Union institutions must be thorough and consultative,” he said.
The meeting was also attended by the Permanent Representatives Committee (PRC) comprising African ambassadors to the AU.
Also Read: Did Ruto Use AI to Write Trump’s Congratulatory Message?
Ruto Addresses World Without Hunger Conference
Ruto also spoke at the World Without Hunger Conference, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
The President highlighted the importance of global collaboration in effectively fighting hunger.
He also urged African leaders to implement policies and programmes to boost food production to feed the rising populations.
Also Read: Kenya’s Political Future After Ruto Dumped Gachagua – Key Considerations
South Sudan Peace Process
Ruto proceeded to Ethiopia after his trip to Juba, South Sudan and held talks with President Salva Kiir Mayardit and First Vice-President Riek Machar on the Tumaini Initiative peace process.
In a statement afterwards, Ruto said the parties involved in South Sudan’s peace process have agreed to resume mediation in Nairobi to address outstanding issues.
“It is encouraging to see that the gaps between the government and opposition can be bridged, consequently paving the way for a new era of sustainable peace and prosperity,” he said.
The parties also agreed to involve the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in the process to engage the entire region and secure support from the international community for political goodwill, both regionally and globally.
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