AU Highlights: Kenya’s President Ruto Takes Over as AU Champion, Summit Yields Key Outcomes

By Emmanuel Kwada

The 38th African Union Summit, held in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from February 12-16, 2025, was a pivotal event that yielded several key outcomes expected to shape the continent’s future. A major emphasis of the summit was on Multilateralism and International Governance, with a focus on Africa’s representation at the United Nations Security Council. The African Union reiterated its demand for full representation, including at least two permanent seats with veto power and five non-permanent seats.

African leaders during the 38th AU ordinary session in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
Credit: AU on X

The summit also discussed the Participation of the African Union in the G20, with the Chairperson of the African Union and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission set to represent the continent at the G20 Leaders’ Summit. The African Union will also participate in G20 ministerial meetings, led by the Chairperson of the African Union Executive Council and the Chairperson of the Commission.

In terms of Institutional Reform, President Paul Kagame of Rwanda stepped down as the champion of the project, citing frustration with the slow progress of the reform process. President William Ruto of Kenya has taken over as the new AU Champion on Institutional Reform, with the remaining reform priorities set to be finalized by February 2025.

AU Ex-President Mr. Khalid Boudali. Credit: AU on X

The Theme of the Year 2025 has been proposed as “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations,” with a focus on reparations for transatlantic enslavement, colonialism, and apartheid. The Commission is expected to submit a strategic framework document for the implementation of the Accra Proclamation on reparations.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was one of the key Nigerian individuals who participated in the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union in Ethiopia, accompanied by several high-ranking officials, including Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, Minister of Defence Abubakar Badaru, and Minister of Trade and Investment Jumoke Oduwole.

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Credit: Bayo Onanuga on X

Other notable individuals who attended the summit include Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo, Minister of Information Muhammed Idris, and Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency Amb. Mohammed Mohammed.

Nigeria, as a key player in the African Union, is expected to play a significant role in the implementation of these outcomes. The country’s President, Bola Tinubu, has been actively engaged in the summit, pushing for Nigeria’s interests and contributing to the discussions on key issues such as multilateralism, institutional reform, and reparations.

Other key appointments made during the summit include Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani as the Chairperson of the African Union for 2024, with Angola set to take over in 2025. President William Ruto of Kenya has been appointed as the Champion for local manufacturing of pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical products, while President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana will lead the charge on advancing the cause of justice and payment of reparations to Africans.

Mr. Wamkele Mene of South Africa as Secretary General of the AfCFTA

The summit also saw the reappointment of Mr. Wamkele Mene of South Africa as Secretary General of the AfCFTA Secretariat for another four years, as well as the election of 10 new members to the Peace and Security Council for a term of two years. Overall, the 38th African Union Summit has set the stage for a new era of cooperation and development on the continent, with Nigeria playing a key role in shaping the future of Africa.

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