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Message: [QUOTE="Nehanda, post: 23813, member: 2262"] Ruto to Chair AU Institutional Reforms Retreat in Nairobi. NAIROBI, Kenya—President William Ruto will lead a high-level retreat on African Union (AU) institutional reforms at State House on Monday. The meeting will bring together select heads of state and government from across the continent. Ruto assumed the role of champion for AU institutional reforms in February 2024, taking over from Rwanda's Paul Kagame. The reforms aim to revitalize the structure, functioning, and focus of the African Union Commission (AUC), AU organs, and specialized agencies. The goal is to make these organs more effective and efficient in managing AU programs. Ruto is tasked with providing political leadership and vision to complete the comprehensive institutional reform initiative that began in 2016. Presidents Azali Assoumani of Comoros, Johan Mahama of Ghana, Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea Bissau, and Taye Atske Selassie of Ethiopia are already in Kenya for the meeting. AUC Chairperson Moussa Faki is also expected to attend. The meeting will provide a roadmap for accelerating radical changes at the AU. Discussions will address innovative mechanisms for sustainable financing, reducing reliance on external donors, and ensuring the union's financial independence. Ruto will present the final report on these reforms during the 38th Ordinary Session of the AU General Assembly in February 2025. He has reaffirmed Kenya's commitment to advancing reforms within the organization. "The reforms are essential to ensuring that the Union's institutions remain responsive, effective, and aligned with the evolving needs of our continent," Ruto said during a meeting with Guinea-Bissau's President Embalo. Ruto pledged to collaborate closely with Guinea-Bissau and other partners to drive the reform agenda and fulfill the mandate entrusted to him by African leaders during the 37th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government. [/QUOTE]

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