President John Dramani Mahama has voiced concerns over the African Union’s (AU) reliance on external funding, warning that it undermines the organization’s ability to set its own agenda and effectively address the continent’s challenges.
Speaking at the opening session of the AU retreat on institutional reforms in Nairobi, Kenya, President Mahama stressed the urgent need for financial independence.
He called for the swift implementation of the Kigali Decision on Financing the Union, adopted at the 2016 AU Summit in Rwanda.
The resolution aims to establish a reliable and predictable funding mechanism for the AU, reducing its dependence on external donors.
“Over-reliance on external partners compromises the AU’s independence and its ability to set its own agenda. The implementation of the Kigali decision on financing the union must be expedited to ensure financial autonomy,” Mahama stated.
The retreat, focused on key issues such as terrorism, trade agreements, and sustainable financing, aims to address critical challenges facing the AU.
President Mahama also emphasized the importance of accountability, transparency, and value for money in the AU’s operations.
“We must adopt mechanisms that prioritize accountability and ensure every resource is maximized for the benefit of the African people,” he said.
In addition to financial reforms, Mahama advocated for greater inclusion of women and youth in leadership roles, citing Africa’s youthful population as a critical resource.
“Africa’s future lies in its youth. Over 60% of our population is under the age of 25, yet their voices are largely absent in policymaking,” he noted.
Highlighting his own example of appointing Ghana’s first female Vice President, Mahama urged AU member states to institutionalize frameworks that empower young people and women to lead at all levels of governance.
The retreat serves as a platform for AU leaders to discuss and implement strategies that will strengthen the union’s ability to address the pressing needs of the continent effectively.
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