Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema has urged African Union (AU) member states to show stronger political commitment to long-overdue institutional reforms, warning that slow decision-making and internal divisions are weakening the bloc’s effectiveness.

Speaking on Thursday ahead of a virtual summit of AU heads of state dedicated to reform, Hichilema said the continental body risked losing relevance if member states failed to translate commitments into action.

He noted that persistent bureaucratic delays and a lack of consensus among member states had continued to hamper the AU’s ability to respond decisively to political, economic, and security challenges across the continent.

Hichilema stressed that meaningful reform was essential to ensure the AU could deliver on its mandate, including conflict prevention, economic integration, and the promotion of democratic governance.

The virtual summit is expected to review progress on proposals aimed at streamlining the AU’s structures, improving financial sustainability and clarifying the division of responsibilities between the Commission, member states and regional bodies.

–ChannelAfrica–