The African Union has recognised President William Ruto’s role in pushing for institutional reforms even as it calls for accountability, better funding and cooperation among African countries.
Speaking at the Trust Summit in Nairobi on Thursday, October 22, AU Deputy Chairperson Selma Malika Haddadi recognised Ruto’s role as the AU Champion for Institutional Reform, saying he had helped advance a more effective, accountable and financially sustainable Union.
Haddadi said the AU must prove its worth by delivering on its promises, while African governments and institutions should support it through political commitment and consistent funding.
The Deputy Chairperson said Africa’s integration efforts, including Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area, must translate into practical results and stronger relationships among countries.
AU Deputy Chairperson Selma Malika Haddadi speaking during the 2nd eGumeni Dialogue at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
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AU
She noted that agreements and declarations alone could not deliver meaningful cooperation without trust, accountability and a commitment to honouring promises.
“We have never needed one another more, while finding it increasingly difficult to trust one another,” Haddadi said, pointing to conflicts and climate change among challenges requiring greater international cooperation.
She also described trust as an essential tool for cooperation, saying governments, businesses and institutions needed confidence that commitments made by their partners would be honoured.
“Trust is therefore not simply a moral aspiration. It is an essential condition of our collective capacity to act,” she stated.
Haddadi also called for reforms in international institutions, particularly the United Nations, arguing that changes should address representation, fairness and the consistent application of international law to strengthen confidence in the global system.
“Defending and preserving multilateralism and reforming it are not competing ambitions. They are mutually reinforcing responsibilities,” she said.
Ruto was appointed the African Union Champion for Institutional Reform in February 2024, taking over from Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame, and his main role is to help make the AU more effective and responsive to the needs of African countries.
In February 2025, Ruto presented proposals to improve how the AU operates, reduce duplication of roles and strengthen accountability.
He has also pushed for reliable AU funding, stronger cooperation among African countries and better ways to address conflicts and other challenges.
President William Ruto addressing the 36th Session of the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa Ethiopia on Saturday, February 18, 2023.
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