Kenya’s President Says African Union “Not Fit for Purpose” Amid Rising Calls for Reform

GOOBJOOG NEWS|NAIROBI: Kenya’s President, William Ruto, has delivered a blunt assessment of the African Union, declaring that the continental body is no longer capable of effectively serving the needs of its member states, as pressure mounts for sweeping institutional reforms.

“I can tell you without an iota of doubt that African Union as is today is not fit for purpose,” the Kenyan leader said, in remarks that add to a growing chorus of criticism from across the continent.

Ruto went further to question the AU’s ability to steer Africa through an increasingly complex global and regional landscape, arguing that its current leadership framework falls short of what is required.

“It is not fit to provide the leadership that this continent needs for the future,” he added.

His comments come at a time when the African Union is facing mounting scrutiny over its handling of persistent conflicts, governance crises, and economic challenges affecting several member states. Critics argue that the body has struggled to respond decisively to coups, political instability, and protracted insecurity in regions such as the Sahel and the Horn of Africa.

Calls for reform have increasingly focused on the AU’s decision-making structures, funding model, and enforcement mechanisms, with analysts pointing to a gap between the organisation’s ambitions and its operational capacity. There is also growing concern that the AU’s reliance on external funding undermines its independence and effectiveness.

Supporters of reform say the institution must evolve into a more agile and authoritative body capable of enforcing its resolutions and coordinating collective action among member states.

While Ruto did not outline specific proposals, his remarks are likely to intensify debate ahead of upcoming continental meetings, where leaders are expected to confront questions about the future direction and credibility of the African Union.

The AU has, in recent years, initiated internal reform processes aimed at streamlining its operations and enhancing efficiency. However, critics maintain that progress has been slow, and that more fundamental changes are needed to position the organisation to effectively address the continent’s growing challenges.