Ruto Calls for Urgent Establishment of African Court of Justice

President William Ruto has called for the urgent establishment of an African Court of Justice, saying the continent needs a strong judicial mechanism to support development, accountability, and economic growth.

Speaking during the African Chief Justices Alternative Dispute Resolution Summit in Nairobi on June 19, Ruto urged judicial leaders across the continent to help push for the creation of the court.

He said Africa cannot achieve its full potential without a functioning continental justice system capable of resolving disputes efficiently and building confidence among investors and citizens.

Ruto Links Justice to Development

The President praised the summit’s discussions on the role of justice in development and said a strong legal system is essential for the progress of nations and the continent.

“I really want to thank Justice Mumba for your statement because it is the case I have been making with our colleagues at the African Union,” Ruto said.

He noted that justice systems play a critical role in promoting development by creating trust, protecting rights, and ensuring accountability.

Ruto said that as the African Union’s champion for institutional reforms, he has focused on three key priorities.

The first is strengthening the African Union Commission, which serves as the executive arm of the continental body.

“I undertook to make the commission a fit-for-purpose organization and ensure that it has the levers and the power to execute what we, as the people of this continent, want,” he said.

The second priority is creating a more effective Pan-African Parliament to enhance accountability within the African Union.

According to Ruto, there is currently a disconnect between the parliament and the African Union Commission.

“Today, there is a disconnect between the Pan-African Parliament and the African Union. The parliament does not approve the budget of the commission and does not approve appointments,” he said.

Call for Greater Accountability

Ruto described accountability as the most important pillar of the reforms.

He expressed concern that Africa still does not have a functioning African Court of Justice despite agreements already being in place.

“As we talk, we do not have a functioning African Court of Justice. We agreed on everything and were supposed to appoint judges last year, but some technicalities happened and there is no real political will,” he said.

The President argued that the absence of a continental court weakens efforts to strengthen governance and resolve disputes among African nations and institutions.

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Appeal to African Chief Justices

Ruto appealed directly to the Chief Justices attending the summit, asking them to use their influence to advance the establishment of the court.

“I really want to persuade you as the Chief Justices of our continent. If every Chief Justice can write to their ministers for foreign affairs and, if possible, to their heads of state, please let us have an African Court of Justice,” he said.

He added that the court would provide a reliable platform for arbitration, litigation, and alternative dispute resolution.

“Let us have a justice mechanism. It is the right thing to do because as we make progress as a continent, we need a mechanism that can help us resolve disputes quickly,” Ruto said.

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Court Key to Investment and Prosperity

The President said a continental justice system would help improve business confidence and support Africa’s economic transformation.

According to Ruto, investors and businesses need assurance that disputes can be resolved fairly and efficiently.

“It will inform our progress and the prosperity of our continent because as we roll it out, we need a justice system that ensures contracts are signed on time and people can build trust in the business that is going to be undertaken,” he said.

He also emphasized the importance of increasing the visibility and influence of African legal professionals on the global stage.

“Representation of African jurists is not only significant internationally, we must also ensure that we are seen,” he added.

A Push for Continental Unity

Ruto’s remarks come as African leaders continue discussions on strengthening continental institutions and accelerating regional integration.

He said establishing an African Court of Justice would help create a more accountable, stable, and prosperous Africa while providing a trusted framework for resolving disputes across borders.

“The right thing to do is to have an African Court of Justice,” Ruto said. “It will help drive the progress and prosperity of our continent.”

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President William Ruto and the Africa Chief Justices during the Africa Chief Justices Alternative Dispute Resolution Summit in Nairobi on June 19
PHOTO/PSC