(ZANIS) President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA has called on African Union –AU- member states to show greater political commitment to implementing institutional reforms, urging faster decision-making and an end to fragmentation within the continental body.
The President says peace and security remain central to Africa’s stability and has urged the AU Peace and Security Council to uphold the principle of rotation while improving early warning and response systems.
He was speaking during a virtual AU Heads of State Summit on institutional reforms held at State House.
President HICHILEMA said early warning mechanisms must be accompanied by timely action and added that stronger accountability and responsibility within the AU would improve the organisation’s effectiveness.
The President also pointed to the need to expand intra-African trade as a catalyst for economic growth, noting that increased direct trade among African countries would generate resources for key sectors such as education and health.
Meanwhile, Burundian President ÉVARISTE NDAYISHIMIYE said his country supports reforms aligned with Agenda 2063, calling for greater financial independence from external partners and increased investment in mediation and negotiation to promote peace.
Kenyan President WILLIAM RUTO, in his role as champion of AU institutional reform oversight, spoke on the need to operationalise 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, called for swift implementation of reforms and collective action by member states to address challenges facing the AU.
ZANIS reports that the virtual summit was convened to assess progress on AU institutional reforms and to chart the way forward towards a more efficient, accountable and people-centred African Union.
