
Former President John Dramani Mahama has raised concerns over the African Union’s (AU) heavy dependence on external funding, cautioning that it undermines the organization’s independence and ability to pursue its own agenda.
Speaking at the opening session of a retreat on implementing institutional reforms of the AU in Nairobi, Kenya, President Mahama stressed the urgency of financial autonomy for the union. He called for the expedited implementation of the Kigali Decision on Financing the Union, adopted at the 2016 AU Summit in Rwanda, which seeks to establish a sustainable and predictable source of funding for the AU.
Compromised Independence
According to Mahama, reliance on external donors compromises the AU’s ability to effectively set and execute its priorities. “One of the pillars of reforms is the AU’s financial autonomy. The over-reliance on external partners for funding compromises the organization’s independence and its ability to set its own agenda,” he noted.
He urged member states to adopt mechanisms that prioritize accountability, transparency, and value for money to ensure that resources are maximized for the benefit of Africans.
Key Issues Under Discussion
The retreat is addressing critical challenges facing the AU, including terrorism in member states, financing, and trade agreements. Mahama emphasized that the AU must translate its policies and programs into tangible benefits for its people while fostering accountability in its operations.
Promoting Women and Youth Leadership
President Mahama also highlighted the importance of empowering women and youth in governance. He encouraged AU member states to appoint more women and young people to leadership roles, pointing to his appointment of Ghana’s first female Vice President as a model for inclusion.
“Africa’s future lies in its youth. Over 60% of our population is under the age of 25, and yet their voices are largely absent in policymaking. We must institutionalize a framework that empowers our young people and our women to lead at all levels of governance,” Mahama stated.
Path to Autonomy
Mahama’s comments reinforce the AU’s long-standing challenge of financial dependency and its impact on decision-making. The call to expedite the Kigali Decision reflects a broader push for African countries to take greater ownership of the union’s operations, ensuring that its initiatives remain aligned with the continent’s priorities and aspirations.