A high-level delegation from the Pan-African Parliament (PAP), led by its President, Chief Fortune Charumbira, held a significant meeting with President William Ruto at the State House in Nairobi on Tuesday. As the Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Institutional Reforms, President Ruto discussed the critical AU reform agenda with the delegation, focusing on enhancing the role of the Pan-African Parliament to ensure a stronger, more united AU.
The discussions centred on addressing the institutional weaknesses plaguing the AU and the necessity of reforms to boost its operational capacity, particularly in line with Africa’s Agenda 2063. This blueprint outlines the continent’s path to inclusive growth and sustainable development. Both parties agreed that reforms should not undermine the Pan-African Parliament but rather empower it as the voice of African citizens. A more effective Parliament, they noted, would play a vital role in strengthening the Union as a whole.
Chief Charumbira reiterated that African leaders had long acknowledged the need for institutional reforms within the AU, citing key challenges such as fragmented priorities, poor coordination between the AU and Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and a lack of accountability. These issues, he said, have hindered efficient service delivery.
“The AU must improve its operational efficiency and meet the expectations of African citizens, who are increasingly skeptical. The Pan-African Parliament can address these gaps by ensuring transparency, accountability, and direct engagement with the people,” Charumbira stated.
He emphasized that the ongoing reform process presents a unique opportunity to bolster the Pan-African Parliament’s role in governance, helping the AU deliver on its Agenda 2063 and its flagship projects. Regular coordination between AU organs, including the Parliament, he said, is essential to avoid the current disjointed operations.
President Ruto, echoing these concerns, highlighted the dysfunction within the AU and stressed the importance of reforms that would make the institution more connected to the people it serves. He affirmed the need for the Pan-African Parliament to actively link the AU with African citizens and provide oversight on all AU organs, including budget management.
“The AU must stop working in silos, disconnected from the people. The Pan-African Parliament must ensure that African voices are heard and that resources are used efficiently,” President Ruto remarked.
The PAP delegation included key figures such as Lucia Dos Passos, Alhagie Mbow, Steven Mikaya, and Kenyan PAP members Danson Mungatana, Rahab Mukami, and Majimbo Kalasinga. The meeting was seen as a pivotal moment in aligning the AU’s reform agenda with broader goals of improving governance, transparency, and citizen engagement across Africa, with a stronger Pan-African Parliament playing a central role.
Both sides expressed optimism that these reforms would lead to a more robust AU, better equipped to meet the continent’s development goals.
