President William Ruto praised the African Union’s (AU) decision to formally recognize the continent’s financial institutions, saying the move will be instrumental in strengthening intra-African trade. This recognition, he noted, underscores the AU’s commitment to building homegrown institutions that can drive economic growth and enhance regional cooperation.
President Ruto, who serves as the AU’s Champion of Institutional Reforms, addressed African ambassadors and heads of missions accredited to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, where he emphasized the need for increased support for these institutions. “We have also made a decision as African Union Heads of State to buy more shares in these institutions,” he said. Ruto highlighted that a consolidated effort to invest in these institutions would catalyze economic progress across Africa. Such support, he argued, would align with the kind of backing extended to global entities like the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Strengthening Homegrown Financial Institutions
The AU’s recognition includes prominent institutions like the African Development Bank (AfDB), the Trade and Development Bank, and Ecobank. The decision symbolizes a shift towards prioritizing African financial entities as core pillars of economic development. By fostering these institutions, African nations could potentially gain greater financial independence, reducing reliance on foreign lenders and avoiding restrictive conditions often attached to external aid.
One of the prime examples of these efforts is the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS), developed by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). The system is designed to facilitate cross-border trade using local African currencies, saving businesses from losses due to exchange rate fluctuations. President Ruto pointed out that PAPSS addresses a “local solution to a global problem,” supporting the AU’s larger objective of facilitating business among African nations without depending on foreign currencies.
Redefining Peace and Security in Africa
Beyond economic matters, President Ruto also advocated for African-led solutions in peacekeeping and security. He underscored the need for Africa to take a stronger stance on its own security, indicating that large, externally supported peacekeeping forces may no longer be sustainable. “The days of 20,000 AU peacekeeping forces are slowly fading away,” he remarked. Instead, he proposed that African countries should manage their own peace support mechanisms, enhancing the continent’s ability to address regional conflicts proactively.
This perspective reflects a growing consensus within the AU to empower African states to maintain stability and security on the continent. Such reforms, if actualized, would likely shift the focus from reliance on external forces to African-led and -funded peace efforts, ensuring that solutions are more attuned to regional dynamics and challenges.
A Call for African Judicial Autonomy
In a similar push for self-sufficiency, President Ruto emphasized the importance of strengthening the African Court of Justice, asserting that no African should be subjected to foreign courts. He envisions a more robust African legal body that can effectively handle legal disputes and arbitrate trade issues among member states. This appeal is rooted in the AU’s vision of a unified legal framework that can resolve conflicts internally without the intervention of international judicial bodies, which might lack insight into the complexities of African socio-political issues.
A Vision for AU Oversight and Accountability
President Ruto also addressed the need for reforms within the Pan-African Parliament, suggesting that it be granted powers to oversee the AU Commission and approve its budget. This recommendation is aimed at improving governance within the AU by introducing checks and balances that could streamline its operations and increase accountability. A more empowered Pan-African Parliament, Ruto argued, would foster transparency and oversight, ensuring that AU programs are effectively managed and financially sound.
Support for Raila Odinga’s Candidacy
The meeting was attended by notable figures, including former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, Kenya’s candidate for the AU Commission Chairman position. President Ruto expressed optimism in Odinga’s candidacy, noting the potential for strong leadership at the AU to drive these institutional reforms forward.
In conclusion, the AU’s recent decision to recognize and support African financial institutions marks a pivotal step in the continent’s journey towards self-reliance. President Ruto’s advocacy for greater investment, judicial autonomy, and oversight reflects a broader vision for an empowered Africa. These reforms, if implemented effectively, could pave the way for an era of increased economic independence, security, and judicial sovereignty on the continent.
