President Hakainde Hichilema has urged African Union (AU) member states to demonstrate stronger political will in implementing institutional reforms, stressing the need to accelerate decision-making and overcome fragmentation within the continental body.
Speaking during a virtual AU Heads of State Summit on institutional reforms at State House, President Hichilema emphasized the importance of peace and security, calling on the AU Peace and Security Council to uphold the principle of rotation and strengthen early warning and response mechanisms.
President Hichilema noted that early warnings must be matched with decisive action, while accountability and responsibility within the AU must be enhanced to improve effectiveness.
“As we advance institutional reforms, we must confront issues of fragmentation and strengthen political will to deliver tangible results,” he said.
The President further underscored the importance of deepening intra-African trade as a driver of economic growth, noting that direct trade among African countries would generate resources for critical sectors such as education and health.
He added that investing in education, particularly for young people, would foster lasting peace and stability.
President Hichilema commended Kenyan President William Ruto for his leadership in advancing AU reforms.
Meanwhile, Burundian President Évariste Ndayishimiye reaffirmed his country’s support for reforms aligned with Agenda 2063, stressing the need for financial independence from external partners and greater investment in mediation and negotiation to promote peace.
President Ruto, as champion of AU institutional reform oversight, highlighted the importance of operationalising the AU Court of Justice to strengthen justice delivery across the continent.
Earlier, AU Chairperson and Angolan President João Lourenço, represented by Foreign Affairs Minister Tete António, urged swift implementation of reforms and collective action by member states to address challenges facing the AU.
the virtual summit was convened to review progress on AU institutional reforms and to chart the way forward towards a more efficient, accountable and people-centered African Union.
